An outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been reported on a cruise ship, resulting in multiple deaths and critical cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak, first detected in early May 2026, has raised global concern, but health authorities in Morocco have confirmed that no cases have been identified in the country.
The virus, which is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, is not known to spread from person to person. The cruise ship involved has been quarantined in a port in the Caribbean, and passengers are being monitored. The CDC has issued a travel notice for the region, advising travelers to avoid contact with rodents.
Morocco's Ministry of Health issued a statement on May 8, 2026, reassuring the public that there is no current risk of an outbreak in the kingdom. The ministry emphasized that surveillance systems are active and that no cases of hantavirus have been reported in Morocco or North Africa. The statement also reminded citizens to maintain hygiene and avoid contact with wild rodents.
Experts note that hantavirus is rare in North Africa, with only isolated cases reported in the past. The current outbreak is limited to the cruise ship and its immediate vicinity. Travelers returning from affected areas are advised to monitor for symptoms, which include fever, muscle aches, and shortness of breath, and to seek medical attention if they develop.
