DVG Is Closely Monitoring the Hantavirus Situation in Venezuela
ORANJESTAD – The Department of Public Health (Directie Volksgezondheid – DVG) has taken note of international reports regarding the deaths of three individuals in the state of Anzoátegui, Venezuela.
Official health authorities in Venezuela confirmed that the individuals were infected with hantavirus.
Based on gathered information, the situation in Venezuela currently poses no direct risk to Aruba.
In most cases, hantavirus is a zoonotic disease—an illness transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through contact with the urine, feces, or saliva of certain wild rodents and carriers. According to official reports, there is no evidence that the current cases in Venezuela are the result of human-to-human transmission.
Because the specific animal species that carry the hantavirus are not found in Aruba, the risk of local transmission is considered extremely low.
DVG will continue to monitor the situation closely. Should the risk assessment for Aruba change, DVG will take all necessary measures to protect public health and keep the community properly informed.
For more information, follow the Facebook page Directie Volksgezondheid DVG Aruba or Instagram directie_volksgezondheid_aruba, access updates via the Aruba Health App, visit www.dvg.aw, call 5224200, or email service@dvg.aw.
