GHS tightens surveillance after Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship in Cape Verde
Ghana Health Service (GHS) says it has "stepped up surveillance and preparedness measures" following reports of Hantavirus infections detected on a cruise ship currently docked in Cape Verde. According to a statement issued on May 8, 2026, by the Ministry of Health and GHS, the outbreak on the vessel, as of May 7, includes eight suspected cases, five confirmed infections, and three deaths.
The ship reportedly carried crew members mainly from the Philippines, with passengers from several countries including the United States, parts of Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have indicated that the global public health risk remains low, but have urged countries to strengthen surveillance and preparedness systems. GHS explained that Hantavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or exposure to their droppings, urine, saliva, or contaminated surfaces, and that symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, difficulty in breathing.
GHS said that no case has been recorded in Ghana so far, but precautionary measures have been activated through its Port Health Division and other public health systems to reduce any possible risk of importation. Enhanced screening and surveillance have been introduced at all ports of entry, including airports and seaports, and health facilities across the country have also been directed to step up monitoring and reporting of any unusual respiratory illnesses. The GHS further said it is strengthening laboratory systems and rapid response capacity while intensifying public education on sanitation and rodent control, and confirmed ongoing collaboration with international partners, including the WHO and global disease surveillance networks, to ensure timely information sharing.
Quick Summary
The Ghana Health Service is responding to reports of a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship docked in Cape Verde. Precautionary measures have been activated through its Port Health Division and other public health systems - but what does this mean for the average Ghanaian?
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: Adom Online
Also covered by
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from Adom Online
Related Stories
More from Health
Anger and resignation in Tenerife as hantavirus ship approaches
Why are dock workers threatening to block a cruise ship's arrival - and what does this have to do with migration?
8h ago•4 min read
Kenyasi Government Hospital faces infrastructure and equipment challenges despite top performance rankings
Kenyasi Government Hospital is celebrated for excellence - but a hidden crisis threatens its ability to provide quality care.
12h ago•2 min read
Awerco Construction threatens legal action over Ministry of Health's 'false claims' on Weija Specialist Children's hospital
A contractor threatens legal action against the Ministry of Health - but what sparked this intense reaction?
22h ago•3 min read
"Prima facie evidence does not mean guilt" - GMA President calls for caution over Charles Amissah death report
GMA cautions against blaming health workers in "no bed syndrome" case - what's really going on?
1d ago•4 min read
