Measures being implemented include screening temperature, establishing isolation areas, and maintaining medical emergency readiness.
On May 8, Cambodian Health Minister Chheang Ra inspected facilities at Techo International Airport to assess isolation areas and preventive procedures aimed at stopping the possible spread of the Hanta virus from abroad. The inspection also reviewed the airport security screening system, designated quarantine areas, and rapid response plans, with stricter temperature checks and close monitoring of arriving passengers identified among the main preventive measures.
In a statement issued on May 9, the Ministry of Health instructed airport authorities to remain prepared in the event of suspected Hanta virus cases and to strengthen emergency response systems, including the 115 hotline, to ensure that all suspected or confirmed cases are isolated and treated promptly.
The ministry’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it has organized rapid response teams and specialised units responsible for sample collection, screening, and treatment monitoring. The agency is also conducting inspections to ensure laboratories are fully equipped with necessary equipment, medical supplies, essential medicines, and personal protective equipment.
In addition, the CDC has stepped up public awareness campaigns to inform residents and tourists about preventive measures while requiring working groups to maintain close surveillance and ensure timely information sharing.
A person wearing face mask standing on MV Hondius cruise ship at Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Spain, May 10, 2026. Photo by Reuters |
On May 7, the World Health Organization warned that additional hantavirus infections could emerge after the disease caused the deaths of three passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. However, the organization also said the outbreak could be contained if preventive measures are properly implemented.
According to the WHO, from April 1 to May 4, the cluster of severe acute respiratory infections was recorded on the cruise ship traveling from Argentina through the South Atlantic region.
As of May 4, seven cases had been identified, including two confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. The outbreak resulted in three deaths, one critically ill patient and three mild cases. The vessel carried 147 people, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 countries.
Hantavirus disease is an acute infectious disease transmitted from rodents, particularly rats, to humans through contaminated food, rodent bites, contact with infected rodent waste or inhalation of virus-containing dust. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare but has previously been reported in outbreaks involving the Andes virus strain in South America.
The incubation period ranges from two to four weeks and may extend to eight weeks. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea and diarrhoea, which can later progress to coughing, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure and respiratory failure.
There is currently no specific treatment for hantavirus disease, with care mainly focusing on monitoring, supportive treatment and intensive care.
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