Cambodia Issues Health Advisory on Hantavirus Prevention

PHNOM PENH, May 9, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s health ministry has issued a public advisory on Hantavirus, urging preventive measures against rodent‑borne infections while confirming no human cases have been detected in the country.

Officials said the virus can cause severe illness in humans and is primarily transmitted through contact with rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels, particularly via their urine, feces and saliva.

The advisory follows reports of infections linked to travellers aboard a Dutch‑flagged cruise ship carrying passengers from 28 countries.

Eight suspected cases were recorded, with five confirmed infections and three deaths, believed to have stemmed from rodent exposure in southern Argentina.

The World Health Organization has assessed the global risk of spread as low, noting the virus does not easily transmit between people.

According to the ministry, Hantavirus can cause two major forms of illness: one affecting the lungs and respiratory system, mainly reported in the Americas, and another causing fever, bleeding and kidney damage, more common in Europe and Asia.

Symptoms include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough and breathing difficulties. Severe cases may lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure and internal bleeding.

Authorities advised the public to keep homes and workplaces clean, block rodent entry, and store food and water safely. People cleaning rodent‑infested areas were urged to wear masks and gloves and avoid sweeping dry dust that could spread virus particles.

The ministry also encouraged regular handwashing and urged anyone experiencing symptoms after rodent exposure or travel to outbreak areas within the past one to eight weeks to seek immediate medical attention.

Healthcare workers were instructed to follow strict infection control measures.

Officials said Cambodia has laboratory capacity to test for Hantavirus and that surveillance and response systems are being strengthened nationwide.