IHP: There are no confirmed cases of hantavirus in Albania, low risk
2026-05-11 14:28:32
TiranaPost
The Institute of Public Health has clarified the situation regarding hantavirus in a press conference, emphasizing that the risk to Albania and Europe as a whole is assessed as very low and that there are currently no confirmed cases in the country.
According to the representative of the IHP, the epidemiological situation is under constant monitoring, while the health authorities have taken precautionary measures for the timely identification of any suspected case and for tracing possible contacts. The institution states that the health system in the country is ready to manage any situation that may arise.
The statement also noted that the IPH is in communication with the health authorities of Greece, following a case related to a Greek citizen who was a passenger on the MV Hondius cruise ship, where an outbreak of hantavirus has been reported. According to the institution, this situation is being followed in a coordinated manner with international partners.
The IHP official ruled out the possibility of a pandemic spread, stressing that there is no reason for alarm. He explained that the type of hantavirus reported in the ship case is specific and is not found in Europe and Albania, while its transmission from person to person occurs very rarely and mainly only in close and prolonged family contacts.
"There is no risk at all. The risk for Albania and the continent is very low. There are no restrictions on travel and trade. Hantaviruses are a group of viruses and the type detected on the ship is transmitted only through close contact. The types circulating in Albania are not transmitted between people. We are taking measures to ensure that any suspected case is isolated and traced," the IHP representative said.
He added that so far no case of the presence of hantavirus has been reported in Albania, while emphasizing that the health service is ready to react immediately if necessary.
