Algeria on High Alert After Hanta Virus Cases Detected on Foreign Cruise Ship

Algeria’s Ministry of Health announced Tuesday that it is closely monitoring the situation following the emergence of a cluster of Hanta virus infections aboard a foreign tourist vessel outside the country’s borders.

In an exclusive statement to dzwatch, the Ministry confirmed that a series of preventive and organizational measures have been immediately activated to reinforce health vigilance and ensure continuous epidemiological surveillance, anticipating any potential developments linked to the virus, which typically spreads through contact with infected rodents or their droppings and secretions.

The Ministry reassured citizens that, based on current data from the World Health Organization, the risk level in Algeria remains low, as the outbreak remains contained within its defined perimeter with no direct epidemiological link detected at the national level.

Authorities have established a specialized central committee tasked with activating proactive preventive measures to counter any eventuality, stressing that the current situation requires no cause for alarm or panic.

The Ministry issued public health guidance urging citizens to maintain cleanliness in homes and storage areas, avoid contact with rodents, and ensure proper ventilation — standard precautionary measures deemed sufficient at this stage.