Ministry of Health and Social Protection has confirmed that no cases of Hantavirus have been detected in the country and that there is currently no public health risk, following concerns raised after reported infections on a tourist cruise ship abroad.

The clarification came in response to questions from ABC News Albania after reports of a localized outbreak among passengers on a cruise vessel.

Health officials emphasized that the situation is under control and does not pose any threat to the population.

Meanwhile, infectious disease specialist Aurora Dollenberg said there is no reason for public panic, stressing that Hantavirus has been known for decades and that the European variant is generally considered less dangerous.

She noted that human-to-human transmission remains extremely limited and that the virus does not pose a pandemic risk.

“Even though Hantavirus is a virus known for decades and we have the European variant, in 99% of cases it is not dangerous, while in a small percentage it can be serious. There is no risk of a pandemic and no risk to the population. There is no need for any alarm because it is not transmitted between humans,” she said.

Dollenberg also highlighted that poor hygiene conditions were likely a key factor in the outbreak reported on the cruise ship, pointing to sanitation issues as a known driver of transmission in such environments.

She added that Hantavirus is primarily spread from animals to humans, especially through contact with rodent droppings, and is not typically transmitted between people.

The doctor also referred to guidance from the World Health Organization, noting that international protocols exist to help countries respond if cases are detected.

Hantaviruses are carried by certain rodent species, and human infection usually occurs through exposure to contaminated environments. Symptoms typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure and can range from fever, nausea, and headaches to more severe respiratory or systemic complications in rare cases.