DVG: Hantavirus in Venezuela poses no direct risk to Aruba

ORANJESTAD  – Aruba's Department of Public Health (DVG) has taken note of international reports regarding the deaths of three people in the Venezuelan state of Anzoátegui after the country's health authorities confirmed they had been infected with Hantavirus.

Based on the information currently available, the situation in Venezuela does not pose a direct risk to Aruba.

Hantavirus is, in most cases, a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through contact with the urine, droppings or saliva of certain species of wild rodents and other infected animals. According to official information, there is no evidence that the current cases in Venezuela involve person-to-person transmission.

Aruba has no known animal carriers of Hantavirus. As a result, the risk of local transmission is considered to be very low.

DVG will continue to closely monitor the situation. If the risk assessment for Aruba changes, the department will take the necessary measures to protect public health and keep the community informed.