The Ministry of Health in Kuwait has said it is closely monitoring global developments related to hantavirus, stressing that the risk of the disease spreading locally remains low.
According to the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the country continues to activate precautionary systems in line with international health protocols as part of its ongoing surveillance framework.
Ministry spokesperson Dr Abdullah Al-Sanad said international health measures have been reinforced, including notifications under the International Health Regulations, contact tracing in affected countries, and enhanced monitoring and preparedness systems.
He added that there is currently no evidence of widespread human-to-human transmission globally, with most cases linked to direct or indirect exposure to infected rodents.
Authorities in Kuwait have taken precautionary steps such as securing laboratory testing supplies, strengthening epidemiological investigations, and increasing environmental monitoring. Health teams and laboratories, he said, remain on high alert to ensure rapid response if needed.
The hantavirus risk remains low in Kuwait, according to officials, as most infections worldwide continue to be associated with rodent exposure rather than community spread.
Dr Al-Sanad explained that hantavirus is a zoonotic disease transmitted mainly through contact with rodent droppings or contaminated surfaces. While human-to-human transmission is rare, certain strains such as the “Andes” strain have been reported in parts of South America.
Symptoms can vary depending on the strain and may include fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain, with severe cases leading to respiratory or kidney complications.
The ministry said it is maintaining coordination with regional and international health bodies to ensure readiness and timely response to any developments.
Health authorities across the Gulf region, including in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, routinely align their surveillance systems with global health alerts. Officials have previously emphasized the importance of early monitoring systems, particularly for zoonotic diseases that can emerge through travel and international trade routes.
The hantavirus risk remains low in Kuwait, but regional health systems continue to maintain precautionary measures to ensure preparedness across borders.
In recent months, global health agencies have reported isolated outbreaks linked to specific exposure events, including cases among passengers on a cruise ship departing Argentina.
