According to the World Health Organization, in early May 2026, a cluster of severe acute respiratory infections was recorded on a cruise ship traveling from Argentina across the South Atlantic, with 7 cases (2 confirmed cases of Hanta virus infection, 5 suspected cases), including 3 deaths, 1 critical case and 3 mild cases. There were a total of 147 people on board of the ship of 23 nationalities, and no Vietnamese citizens have been recorded to be involved.
On the side of the Ministry of Health, Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Prevention Vo Hai Son said that no cases have been recorded in Vietnam, but people need to proactively prevent them. The disease is dangerous and there is no specific treatment.
The Department of Disease Prevention said that Hanta virus is a group of viruses that can cause serious diseases in humans, typically Hanta-induced lung syndrome or dengue fever accompanied by kidney failure. The disease can progress rapidly with manifestations such as shortness of breath, respiratory failure, low blood pressure and has a high risk of death if not treated promptly.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Hanta virus disease. Treatment is mainly close monitoring, supportive care and active resuscitation at medical facilities.
According to experts, the Hanta virus is mainly transmitted from rodents, especially mice, to humans. Humans can get infected when they come into contact with mice's urine, feces, and saliva, or inhale pathogenic dust from mice's dry waste during cleaning.
The risk of infection can also occur when bitten by a rat or touching infected surfaces and then putting hands on the eyes, nose, and mouth. Human-to-human transmission is very rare but has been recorded in medical literature.
The incubation period is usually from 2-4 weeks, and can last up to 8 weeks. Initial symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, nausea, diarrhea... After that, the disease can progress severely with cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and low blood pressure.
The Department of Disease Prevention affirmed that, to date, Vietnam has not recorded any cases of human Hanta virus infection. However, in the context of rats being common in many areas, the potential risk is still present if there are no appropriate preventive measures.
The Ministry of Health is continuing to coordinate with WHO and related units to closely monitor the developments of the situation, and at the same time be ready to implement epidemic prevention and control measures when necessary.
Although no cases have appeared in Vietnam, experts emphasize that proactively controlling the source of infection from mice is a key factor in preventing Hanta virus as well as many other infectious diseases.
The Ministry of Health requests media agencies to strengthen propaganda, provide accurate and timely information to raise people's awareness but not be panicked by the developments of epidemics in the world.
To proactively protect health, the Ministry of Health recommends that people strictly implement measures such as not directly contacting live mice, dead mice or mice's waste.
When cleaning areas with mouse signs, it is necessary to open the door to be ventilated, wear a mask and gloves; moisten the area before cleaning to avoid spreading dust.
Do not dry or use a vacuum cleaner in places with rat feces or urine.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after cleaning, treating garbage or contacting hazardous areas.
Keep the house clean, seal the gaps, store food tightly and collect garbage daily to limit rats.
In particular, if there are suspected symptoms after contact with rats or a hazardous environment, people should immediately go to a medical facility for examination and clear notification of contact history.
