UAE confirms readiness to address hantavirus as WHO classifies pathogen as low global risk

NCEMA and MoHAP say national surveillance systems are on standby as they track the latest hantavirus situation.

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NCEMA and MoHAP have confirmed that precautionary surveillance measures are in place as UAE authorities monitor the latest hantavirus situation. No cases in the UAE were referenced; the statement was framed as a readiness update.

Key points

  • UAE authorities confirm hantavirus monitoring measures are active
  • No UAE cases confirmed in the joint NCEMA and MoHAP statement
  • Public urged to rely on official sources for health information

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said on Monday they are actively monitoring developments related to hantavirus and have precautionary surveillance measures in place.

In a joint statement, the two bodies said they are taking “a proactive approach to public health” and that monitoring protocols are being “regularly reviewed and updated in line with approved standards and international best practice.”

Both agencies confirmed the national surveillance and response system is ready to address health developments as they emerge.

The public was urged to rely only on official government sources and to avoid sharing unverified information.

Hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus that can cause severe respiratory or haemorrhagic illness in humans. It does not spread person-to-person, which distinguishes it from respiratory pandemic threats, though clusters in source regions can prompt precautionary monitoring in countries with international travel links.