Fact-check: Fake post claims hantavirus has been detected in Malta

Claim: A post claims hantavirus has been detected in Malta.

Verdict: Health authorities confirmed that there have been no cases of hantavirus detected in Malta, with no Maltese nationals aboard the ship where an outbreak has occurred.

There are no hantavirus cases in Malta, health authorities have confirmed in response to a fake post shared on social media on Monday.

The post, which appeared at first glance to be originating from the TVM News official Facebook page, is likely to have deceived many readers.

It said health authorities had confirmed that the deadly virus had reached Malta, with the country’s first case detected.

According to the post, authorities would be holding a news conference on Monday afternoon to discuss the matter.

Screenshots of the post suggest it received over 1,200 reactions and was shared over 600 times.

The fake post shared on Monday.

While the post appears genuine at first glance, its wording quickly raises suspicions.

Several words throughout the post, including its very first word, Aħbarijiet (news) are misspelt. Some other words (such as irravġa) are entirely made up, with the remainder of the post using stilted, unnatural language.

Health authorities have confirmed that there have been no cases of hantavirus detected in Malta, with no Maltese nationals aboard the cruise ship.

When contacted, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela described the post as “fake news on a fake page”.

“We confirm that there were no Maltese or Malta residents aboard the stricken vessel. The Authorities shall continue to monitor the international situation,” he added.

The post was also flagged by former GWU official Jeremy Camilleri, who said it was "intended to cause panic and tension". 

"This news item is FALSE and was never uploaded to TVM’s page," he said. "An IRRESPONSIBLE AND DISGUSTING act. Spread the word that this is a lie. No one deserves to be worried unnecessarily."

Nevertheless, the news is likely to have alarmed many, with the virus currently wreaking havoc aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship.

The ship was carrying 150 passengers when the hantavirus outbreak was detected earlier this month.

The outbreak led to the death of three passengers, with several others reporting symptoms.

The passengers were detected to be carrying the Andes virus, the only form of the virus that can be transmitted from one person to another. The virus typically spreads among rodents.

The ship is currently docked in Spain’s Canary Islands, with international health authorities overseeing an evacuation process. According to reports, 54 passengers and crew members remain on board.

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