The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says there is no need for concern over Hantavirus, noting that the risk of an outbreak in the region, or globally, remains low due to several key scientific factors.

Amid concern surrounding eight Hantavirus cases aboard the MV Hondius, regional health experts told journalists during a virtual media briefing on Monday that there was no need for alarm.

CARPHA Executive Director Lisa Indar explained that the outbreak linked to the cruise ship involves the Andes strain of the virus. She said that strain is found in rodents primarily in certain parts of South America. The strain is only capable of limited human-to-human transmission, and because the disease is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodents and/or their excrement, it is unlikely to develop into a pandemic.