The World Health Organization (WHO) revised its reported number of hantavirus cases on May 15, 2026, after a US passenger who was initially suspected of having the virus tested negative. The revision came following confirmatory tests by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to WHO officials, the suspected case involved a traveler who had recently returned from a region with known hantavirus activity. Initial symptoms had raised concerns, but subsequent laboratory analysis ruled out the infection. The WHO did not specify the exact number of cases revised, but emphasized that no new outbreak has been identified.
Hantavirus is a rare but serious viral illness that can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It is primarily transmitted through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. The WHO continues to monitor the situation and advises travelers to avoid exposure to rodents in endemic areas.
The CDC confirmed that the US passenger is in stable condition and recovering from an unrelated illness. Health authorities have not issued any travel restrictions related to this case.
