KUWAIT CITY, May 11: The Kuwait Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory on hantavirus, describing it as a zoonotic/infectious disease primarily carried by rodents and transmitted to humans mainly through inhalation of air contaminated with infected rodent secretions.

The ministry said human-to-human transmission is rare and occurs only in specific strains and under limited conditions, with infection typically linked to exposure to contaminated environments.
According to the advisory, early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue and nausea. In more severe cases, the virus can progress to acute respiratory distress with shortness of breath and reduced oxygen levels, or lead to kidney-related complications.

The Ministry of Health said it has strengthened laboratory preparedness by providing diagnostic reagents, enhancing the readiness of specialized medical teams, and coordinating with regional and international health authorities to monitor and manage potential cases.

Officials urged the public to take preventive precautions and avoid exposure to environments that may be contaminated by rodent activity.