23/05/2026
This week several patients came to me with the same query :
"Doctor, should we be worried about Hantavirus here in Oman?"
Let me give you a clear, honest answer — as your Pulmonologist
here in Muscat.
WHAT TRIGGERED THIS PANIC?
In May 2026, an outbreak of Hantavirus was reported on a Dutch
cruise ship MV Hondius that had travelled from Ushuaia, Argentina.
As of May 12, there were 11 cases and 3 deaths confirmed.
That news spread worldwide — including here in Oman — and the
WhatsApp forwards started immediately.
IS OMAN AT RISK?
WHO and experts assess this Hantavirus outbreak as limited, with
low risk to the Gulf. UAE authorities tested rodent species as a
precautionary measure and all came back negative. Oman's situation
is similar. The Ministry of Health has not reported any cases or
unusual rodent activity.
Gulf countries have shown very good resilience and have learnt from
COVID-19 — but experts are clear this is not like COVID-19.
WHY IS OMAN SPECIFICALLY LOW RISK?
🌵 The Hantavirus strains that cause lung disease are found in wild
rodents in the Americas — particularly South America. The rodent
species carrying these strains do not exist in Oman or the
wider Gulf region.
🏙️ Muscat is an urban, well-maintained city. The rodent population
here is very different from rural South American environments
where this virus thrives.
✈️ The only realistic risk would be someone who travelled to
Argentina, Chile, or remote South American regions recently —
and even then, the Andes virus requires close, prolonged contact
to spread from person to person — not casual contact.
HOW DOES IT ACTUALLY SPREAD?
The primary way humans become infected is by inhaling microscopic
particles from an infected rodent's urine, droppings, or saliva.
You cannot catch it on a bus, in a mall, or from a colleague
sneezing near you.
The critical red flag is:
🚨 Fever + severe body aches + breathlessness — appearing 1 to 5
weeks after rodent exposure and recent South America travel.
If this describes you — go to the Royal Hospital or a major
hospital in Muscat immediately and mention your travel history.
WHAT THERE IS NO NEED TO DO:
❌ Panic buy medicines — there is no specific antiviral and no
vaccine needed for Oman residents
❌ Avoid malls, hospitals, or public spaces — this is not airborne
community spread
❌ Forward scary voice notes — they are causing more harm than
the virus itself right now
MY MESSAGE TO MY PATIENTS IN MUSCAT:
Oman has handled COVID-19, MERS, and multiple health scares with
exceptional preparedness. The Ministry of Health is monitoring
this situation carefully.
Experts believe this will remain a limited outbreak if public
health measures are implemented — and the Gulf is well placed
to respond.
Share with your Friends & Colleagues,
Stay informed. Don't panic. And please — before you forward that
next scary WhatsApp message, ask yourself:
"Is this from a doctor or a verified source?"
If you have genuine concerns — message me directly.
— Dr. Rothman Pt
🫁Pulmonologist & Sleep Specialist
NMC Hospital Al Hail, Muscat, Oman
⚠️ This is educational information based on WHO and CDC data
as of May 2026. Always consult your doctor for personal medical
advice.