WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has reassured the public that there are currently no reported cases of Hantavirus on the island and that there is no immediate cause for concern.
According to Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof and the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), authorities continue to closely monitor the international situation surrounding the virus but stress that no one on Curaçao is showing symptoms or has been diagnosed.
The statement follows growing international attention to Hantavirus cases in other regions, prompting local authorities to issue clarification to residents and visitors.
Hantavirus is a virus primarily carried by certain species of wild rodents. Humans can become infected through contact with rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or through inhaling virus particles that become airborne from contaminated areas.
In rare cases, infection can also occur through rodent bites.
The virus can cause serious illnesses, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease that can lead to breathing difficulties, fluid buildup in the lungs, and in some cases death if not treated quickly.
Early symptoms often resemble the flu, including fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, and nausea, making early detection difficult.
Health officials note that person-to-person transmission is extremely rare and that the rodent species most commonly associated with Hantavirus are not known to exist on Curaçao.
Authorities emphasized that the island remains safe and that preventive monitoring continues as part of public health preparedness.
Officials say residents should continue practicing good hygiene, avoid contact with wild rodents, and report unusual rodent activity to local authorities as a precaution.