The Federal Ministry of Health says it is “fully aware of recent concerns surrounding the presence and potential risks associated with the Hantavirus” and is “actively monitoring the situation with the highest level of attention and care”. Officials confirmed there are “no reported or suspected cases of the Hantavirus in St. Kitts and Nevis,” and has urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue.
The alert follows an outbreak linked to the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius, which departed Argentina on April 1st, 2026. Three passengers connected to the voyage have died. Health authorities noted the Andes strain was identified in confirmed cases, with potential for “person-to-person transmission through prolonged and very close contact.”
The Hantavirus is described as a “serious zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents.” It can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), beginning with fever, muscle aches, cough, and shortness of breath, and may progress to respiratory failure.
The Ministry said it will continue surveillance and coordination with international partners, reiterating that there are no confirmed or suspected cases in the Federation. The statement comes in response to international reports confirming that a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis was among the passengers aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius during its voyage. But where exactly is the citizen from: St. Kitts or Nevis? Did the citizen acquire citizenship through SKN’s CBI program? What is the gender of the individual? The VONNEWSLINE posed these questions to the Federal Health Ministry and it said, “that the information is confidential”.
