'Israel' confirms first hantavirus case after patient’s trip to Eastern Europe

• 'Israel' confirms its first hantavirus case after a patient returning from Eastern Europe tested positive for the rare rodent-borne disease, health authorities said.

'Israeli' health authorities have confirmed the country’s first diagnosed case of hantavirus after a patient who recently traveled to Eastern Europe tested positive for the rare rodent-borne disease.

According to local media reports, the patient is believed to have contracted the virus during a stay in Eastern Europe several months ago before later developing symptoms associated with hantavirus infection. Laboratory tests, including antibody screening and PCR analysis, confirmed the diagnosis. Officials said the patient is in stable condition and remains under medical supervision.

Authorities have not released details regarding the patient’s identity, residence, or the hospital where the diagnosis was made. Health officials also stressed that the case involves a European strain of hantavirus and is unrelated to the Andes strain currently linked to a high-profile outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius.

The Andes strain, primarily found in South America, has drawn international attention after multiple infections and deaths were reported among passengers aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise vessel. The World Health Organization has said the broader public risk remains low despite ongoing investigations into the outbreak.

Hantavirus infections are typically transmitted through contact with rodents or exposure to contaminated droppings, urine, or saliva. Symptoms can initially resemble the flu but may progress to severe respiratory illness in some cases.

'Israeli' health authorities said the patient’s case is being monitored closely, though there is currently no indication of wider transmission inside the country.