Morocco intensifies anti-rodent operations at northern ports and airports over hantavirus concerns

Moroccan authorities have launched extensive rodent-control operations at ports and airports in northern cities as part of preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of hantavirus entering the country ahead of the summer travel season.

According to informed Hespress AR sources, large-scale extermination campaigns targeting rats and rodents have recently been carried out at Tangier City Port, including drainage systems, underground channels and surrounding port facilities.

The operations are part of broader efforts to limit the spread of hantavirus, which scientific studies have linked to rodent transmission.

Similar campaigns have also been conducted at Tangier Med Port, Al Hoceima Port and airports in Tangier, Tetouan and Al Hoceima, the sources said.

Municipal districts in Tangier have also intensified pest-control operations in residential neighborhoods as authorities prepare for the expected influx of tourists and Moroccans living abroad during the summer months.

Officials described the measures as precautionary and part of Morocco’s broader strategy to maintain preparedness amid rising international concern surrounding hantavirus cases reported abroad.

Despite heightened vigilance, Moroccan health authorities continue to insist that the situation remains under control.

Mohamed El Youbi, director of epidemiology and disease control at Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection, said earlier this week that the risk of the virus reaching Morocco remains “very weak” and close to zero.

El Youbi noted that only four infections were recorded aboard the cruise ship linked to recent international concern over the virus, while other passengers are being monitored and quarantined as contacts.

He added that no Moroccan citizens were aboard the vessel and that none of the affected passengers are expected to visit Morocco in the coming weeks.

Health authorities say Morocco has already prepared emergency response protocols for any suspected cases, including designated laboratories for testing and facilities for quarantine and medical monitoring.

The heightened monitoring comes as several countries, including France and the United States, recently reported isolated hantavirus infections, prompting increased vigilance in parts of Europe and North Africa.