The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said no cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) have been recorded in the Philippines as of May 11, 2026, adding that the risk of local transmission remains low.
The DOH said its Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), in coordination with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and the World Health Organization, continues to implement heightened border screening measures at ports of entry to guard against possible cases.
Travelers entering the country are required to complete a health declaration form through the eTravel platform or the eGov app. Those arriving from flagged areas or exhibiting symptoms associated with HPS may undergo further screening or quarantine procedures.
The health department cited reports involving passengers aboard the MV Hondius, where cases of hantavirus were earlier monitored among travelers from Argentina bound for islands in the South Atlantic.
According to health authorities, HPS is a rare but serious disease caused by hantaviruses commonly transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
Despite the absence of local cases, the DOH urged the public to maintain cleanliness in homes and communities, regularly wash hands, properly cover food, and securely dispose of waste to help prevent rodent infestations.
Initial symptoms of HPS include fever, body pain, stomach pain, and vomiting. Severe cases may lead to breathing difficulties, fluid buildup in the lungs, low blood pressure, and cardiac complications.