The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has assured that the risk of hantavirus spreading to the Maldives remains minimal.

The statement follows reports of hantavirus cases identified on a cruise liner operating in South America. HPA said it is closely monitoring developments in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The agency noted that no cases of the virus have been detected in the Maldives, and no individuals linked to confirmed infections have been identified in the country.

HPA added that the public would continue to receive updates as further information becomes available.

WHO has confirmed that five people tested positive for hantavirus.