(Bandar Seri Begawan, 9th) The Brunei Ministry of Health stated that as of now, no cases of infection among Bruneian citizens or residents have been reported. According to current risk assessments, this virus is not endemic to the country, and with no related expedition cruise activity for the time being, the risk to Brunei remains at a low level.
As a precautionary measure, the Ministry of Health advises citizens who have recently returned from affected areas (especially Patagonia and Argentina) to seek immediate medical attention if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms. The public is also encouraged to maintain good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and adherence to proper cough etiquette.
The Brunei Ministry of Health today issued the latest update regarding hantavirus infection to the public, reminding everyone to remain vigilant and strengthen personal hygiene protection.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the development of epidemics domestically, regionally, and globally, and will release the latest information as needed. The public can visit the Ministry's official website at www.moh.gov.bn or use the BruHealth application for more information.
According to the Ministry of Health's statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) received a report on May 2, 2026, that a Dutch-registered expedition cruise ship named MV Hondius had a cluster of severe acute respiratory infections. The cruise ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, carrying a total of 147 people, including passengers and crew, from 23 countries.
Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), also known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), is a zoonotic disease caused by hantaviruses carried by rodents. Humans can become infected by inhaling dust contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, or possibly by touching contaminated surfaces. Certain viral strains have also seen cases of human-to-human transmission.
Early symptoms of infection include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Severe cases may have breathing difficulties, pulmonary complications, low blood pressure, and even renal complications that require intensive care. In serious instances, it can be fatal.
Currently there are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines for this virus. Treatment is mainly supportive, including strict management of intravenous fluids, monitoring of blood pressure and respiratory status, and, if necessary, dialysis and respiratory support.
As of May 5, 2026, there have been 8 related cases in total, including 3 deaths, involving citizens from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany. The World Health Organization is conducting a detailed investigation and initially believes that the first case may have been infected in Argentina, with further transmission on board via close contact.
The Brunei Ministry of Health today issued the latest update regarding hantavirus infection to the public, reminding everyone to remain vigilant and strengthen personal hygiene protection.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the development of epidemics domestically, regionally, and globally, and will release the latest information as needed. The public can visit the Ministry's official website at www.moh.gov.bn or use the BruHealth application for more information.
According to the Ministry of Health's statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) received a report on May 2, 2026, that a Dutch-registered expedition cruise ship named MV Hondius had a cluster of severe acute respiratory infections. The cruise ship departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, carrying a total of 147 people, including passengers and crew, from 23 countries.
Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), also known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), is a zoonotic disease caused by hantaviruses carried by rodents. Humans can become infected by inhaling dust contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents, or possibly by touching contaminated surfaces. Certain viral strains have also seen cases of human-to-human transmission.
Early symptoms of infection include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Severe cases may have breathing difficulties, pulmonary complications, low blood pressure, and even renal complications that require intensive care. In serious instances, it can be fatal.
Currently there are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines for this virus. Treatment is mainly supportive, including strict management of intravenous fluids, monitoring of blood pressure and respiratory status, and, if necessary, dialysis and respiratory support.
As of May 5, 2026, there have been 8 related cases in total, including 3 deaths, involving citizens from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany. The World Health Organization is conducting a detailed investigation and initially believes that the first case may have been infected in Argentina, with further transmission on board via close contact.