WHO confirms negative Hantavirus test for KLM flight attendant

Friday 08 May 2026 - 08:00

The World Health Organization confirmed that a flight attendant working for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines tested negative for hantavirus after concerns emerged following contact with a woman who reportedly died from the infection in Johannesburg.

Health officials said the crew member had been admitted to a hospital in Amsterdam after showing possible signs linked to the virus. Medical teams carried out precautionary examinations and laboratory tests before confirming that the individual was not infected.

The incident briefly raised concerns among public health authorities because hantavirus infections, while relatively rare, can cause severe illness in humans. The virus is generally transmitted through contact with rodents or exposure to contaminated environments rather than through regular human-to-human transmission.

According to health experts, symptoms of hantavirus infection may include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, breathing difficulties, and other flu-like conditions. In severe cases, the disease can affect the lungs or kidneys and may require intensive medical treatment.

Authorities emphasized that there is currently no indication of a broader public health risk connected to the case. Preventive monitoring and contact tracing measures are commonly activated in situations involving potentially dangerous infectious diseases, especially when international travel is involved.

Airlines and international health agencies continue to cooperate closely in monitoring possible health risks linked to global travel routes. Medical screening protocols and rapid testing procedures have become increasingly important in detecting infectious diseases early and preventing wider outbreaks.

Public health specialists also noted that awareness campaigns and quick medical responses remain essential in limiting unnecessary panic while ensuring passenger safety and disease surveillance.