No hantavirus-related epidemiological threat in Moldova, Health Minister
As of now, there have been no confirmed cases of hantavirus in the Republic of Moldova, and the country is not facing significant epidemiological risks related to this disease. This information was provided by the Minister of Health, Emil Ceban, in response to concerns raised by international media regarding the detection of infections on a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
The authorities are continuously monitoring the epidemiological situation. The National Public Health Agency (ANSP) is collaborating with all relevant institutions, including customs and border services, to mitigate the risk of importing the virus.
“ANSP collaborates with all structures in the country, including customs. Any individual crossing the border is screened. If they exhibit symptoms such as fever, rash, or other signs, they are isolated,” stated the minister following the Government meeting on May 13.
Emil Ceban clarified that hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person; infection can only occur through contact with products contaminated by infected rodents' excrement.
"A person can only become infected if they ingest dust or food that has come into contact with rodent excrement. For this to happen, there must be a significant number of rodents," the minister explained.
In response to reports in the international press suggesting a possible mortality rate of up to 40% for hantavirus infections, Emil Ceban noted that this rate depends on the number of cases and the epidemiological context.
According to ANSP, hantaviruses are carried by certain rodent species and are transmitted to humans primarily through inhalation of contaminated particles from their excrement, and less commonly through particles from their urine or saliva.
Symptoms of the disease are non-specific and may include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in some cases, kidney damage and hemorrhagic manifestations.
Authorities recommend maintaining cleanliness in homes and storage areas, avoiding contact with rodents, and securely storing food.
