An Israeli man was diagnosed with hantavirus after apparently contracting the rare disease during a trip to Eastern Europe, according to a Thursday report by Maariv. The case is believed to be the first confirmed hantavirus infection reported in Israel in years.

According to the report, the patient developed symptoms consistent with hantavirus infection after returning from Eastern Europe several months ago. Antibody testing initially indicated exposure to the virus, while a later PCR test confirmed the infection. The patient is reportedly in stable condition and under medical monitoring. His identity, place of residence, and the medical center involved were not published.

Maariv reported that the Israeli case is linked to a European hantavirus strain and is not connected to the ongoing MV Hondius outbreak in the South Atlantic. The ship outbreak, which has been tied to the Andes strain of hantavirus, has reportedly left three people dead and several others infected or under investigation. Unlike most hantavirus strains, the Andes variant has been associated in rare cases with person-to-person transmission.

According to the report, there is currently no indication of wider spread inside Israel or an immediate public health threat. The article did not cite any special Health Ministry warning or new restrictions connected to the case.

Hantavirus is primarily carried by rodents and usually spreads when people inhale particles from dried urine, droppings, or saliva left behind by infected mice or rats. Early symptoms can resemble the flu and include fever, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, and weakness, while severe cases may lead to respiratory or kidney complications.