Hantavirus case in Israel amid international monitoring: risk for Cyprus assessed as low

A single case of hantavirus infection has been recorded in Israel in a citizen who recently visited Eastern Europe. According to local media, the patient's condition is stable, they do not require intensive care or strict isolation, and the diagnosis was laboratory-confirmed using a PCR test following an initial antibody analysis.

Medical data regarding the patient, including their identity and place of treatment, have not been disclosed. Doctors clarify that hantaviruses are transmitted primarily from rodents, most often through inhalation of particles from their dried secretions, as well as in rare cases through bites. Symptoms can vary from a mild flu-like state to severe lung or kidney damage; however, specific treatment does not exist for most cases.

It is specifically emphasized that the Israeli case is not linked to the outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, where deaths and several infections were previously reported. Although a more dangerous strain was identified there, experts note that the risk of human-to-human virus transmission remains extremely limited and requires prolonged close contact.

The World Health Organization assesses the overall threat to the population as low, despite increased surveillance in several countries. However, the cruise ship situation has prompted heightened attention from health services in the UK and the US, where passengers are being tracked, including those who have already arrived in the country.