The World Health Organization said on Sunday it was supporting a public health response involving a cruise vessel sailing in the Atlantic Ocean after one confirmed case of hantavirus infection and five additional suspected cases were identified among passengers. Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa, the UN health agency said.

According to WHO, the vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 and followed an itinerary across the South Atlantic, with multiple stops in remote and ecologically diverse regions, including mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island. The extent of passenger contact with local wildlife during the voyage, or prior to boarding in Ushuaia remains undetermined. The vessel carries a total of 147 individuals, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members. Onboard passengers and crew represent 23 nationalities.

As of May 4, the vessel is moored off the coast of Cabo Verde.

Update: Seven cases (two laboratory confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases) have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms. Illness onset occurred between April 6 and 28 and was characterised by fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, rapid progression to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock. Further investigations are ongoing.

WHO said investigations were ongoing, including further laboratory testing, epidemiological reviews and virus sequencing.

Medical care and support were being provided to passengers and crew onboard the vessel, it added.

WHO said it was coordinating with member states and the ship’s operator to medically evacuate two symptomatic passengers and conduct a full public health risk assessment for those remaining onboard.

Hantavirus infections linked to contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents

Hantavirus infections are typically linked to environmental exposure, including contact with urine or faeces from infected rodents, WHO said.

While infections are rare, the agency said hantavirus can in some cases spread between people and may lead to severe respiratory illness, requiring close monitoring and public health intervention.

WHO said it had informed national focal points under the International Health Regulations and would issue a Disease Outbreak News update for the public.

A wave of international condemnation has followed Iran’s missile and drone attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in the UAE, with global leaders and organisations denouncing the strikes as violations of international law and a dangerous escalation in regional tensions.

The coordinated response highlights growing concern over stability in the Gulf, as governments across the Middle East and beyond expressed solidarity with the UAE and called for restraint, diplomacy, and adherence to international norms.

Religious and regional bodies denounce ‘criminal attacks’

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned the strikes, describing them as a breach of both religious values and humanitarian principles.

In a statement issued by its General Secretariat, Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al Issa, secretary-general of the MWL and chairman of the Organisation of Muslim Scholars, denounced the attacks, calling them “criminal” and in violation of “all religious values and international and humanitarian laws and norms,” according to a WAM report.

He stressed the organisation’s full support for the UAE, stating solidarity with “all measures it takes to safeguard its security, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens and residents.”

Western leaders voice strong opposition

Condemnation also came swiftly from Western leaders, who underscored their support for the UAE and the protection of civilian infrastructure.

Canada strongly criticised the attacks, with prime minister Mark Carney describing them as unprovoked. “We stand in solidarity with and the people of the United Arab Emirates and commend defensive efforts to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said in a post on X.

French president Emmanuel Macron echoed similar concerns, calling the strikes “unjustified and unacceptable” while reaffirming France’s commitment to regional allies.

“As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defence of their territory,” Macron said.

He also urged renewed diplomatic efforts, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ensure free maritime movement and pursuing a comprehensive security agreement for the region. Macron pointed to ongoing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic capabilities, and broader regional activities.

UK calls for de-escalation and diplomacy

The UK joined the chorus of criticism, with prime minister Keir Starmer condemning the escalation and urging a return to negotiations.

“We stand in solidarity with the UAE and will continue to support the defence of our partners in the Gulf. This escalation must cease. Iran needs to engage meaningfully in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire in the Middle East endures, and a long-term diplomatic solution is achieved,” Starmer said, according to his office.

Strong reactions across the Arab world

Across the region, Arab nations issued firm statements condemning the attacks and reaffirming their support for the UAE.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation “in the strongest terms,” highlighting that the strikes targeted both civilian infrastructure and a tanker belonging to an Emirati company.

“The kingdom affirms its support for the sisterly UAE in the measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” the statement said, while urging Iran to halt its actions and comply with international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

Jordan also condemned the attacks, describing them as a “flagrant violation” of UAE sovereignty and a serious threat to regional stability.

In a statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed its “absolute solidarity” with the UAE, backing all steps taken to protect its security and the safety of its citizens and residents.

Bahrain joined the growing list of nations denouncing the strikes, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the attacks as “terrorist” and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability.

The Ministry said the targeting of civilian sites using cruise missiles and drones constituted a “flagrant violation” of international law, the principles of good neighbourliness, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, as well as the declared ceasefire.

It reaffirmed Bahrain’s full solidarity with the UAE, citing the “close historical fraternal ties” between the two nations, and expressed wishes for a speedy recovery for those injured.

The statement also urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take “firm and deterrent” action against repeated attacks, stressing the need to protect civilians, safeguard vital infrastructure, ensure global energy security, and maintain safe maritime navigation.

The widespread condemnation reflects mounting alarm over the potential for further escalation in the region. Leaders across continents have called for restraint and a renewed commitment to diplomacy, warning that continued attacks could undermine security and disrupt critical economic and maritime routes.

As international pressure builds, the UAE continues to receive strong backing from allies, reinforcing a unified message: attacks on civilian infrastructure and sovereignty will not be tolerated, and efforts toward a lasting diplomatic resolution must take priority.

The UAE’s air defence systems intercepted a new wave of aerial threats on May 4, 2026, successfully engaging 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to the Ministry of Defence.

The incident resulted in three moderate injuries, officials confirmed.

Read more-UAE successfully intercepts most of 1,100+ missiles, drones since Feb 28

In a statement, the ministry said the projectiles were launched from Iran, marking the latest escalation in a series of ongoing attacks targeting the country.

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Since the beginning of what officials described as “blatant Iranian attacks,” UAE air defences have intercepted a total of 549 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,260 UAVs, an Instagram post on the UAE’s Ministry of Defence official Instagram account said.

Authorities reported that the cumulative number of injuries has now reached 227, spanning a wide range of nationalities, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population.

Casualties and nationalities

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that three individuals have been killed, since the onset of the conflict including one Moroccan civilian contracted with the armed forces. In addition, 10 civilian fatalities have been recorded among several nationalities, including Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, Indian, and Egyptian.

“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats,” the statement said, adding that authorities will “firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country.” Officials stressed that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard national sovereignty, stability, and strategic interests.

Two expatriates have been injured following an attack on a residential building in northern Oman, according to the Oman News Agency.

A security source said the building, which houses company employees in the Tibat area of the Wilayat of Bukha, was targeted in the incident.

The Wilayat of Bukha is located in the Musandam governorate, a strategic peninsula overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, which has been the centre of regional tensions amid the Iran war on Monday.

The attack resulted in what were described as moderate injuries to the two expatriates. Four vehicles were also damaged, while windows in a nearby house were shattered.

Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the attack or the identities of those injured.

Omani officials confirmed that an investigation is underway, with relevant authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of both citizens and residents, amid heightened regional tensions impacting parts of the Gulf.

The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the implementation of distance learning from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, until Friday, May 8, 2026, affecting students, teachers, and administrative staff across nurseries and all public and private schools nationwide.

“This measure is being taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the educational community,” the authority said, adding that the situation will be reviewed on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a possible extension if required, according to its official Instagram account.

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The temporary transition marks a coordinated national response aimed at maintaining educational continuity while prioritising safety across all school levels.

Universities also transition to remote learning

In a parallel move, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on May 4 announced the temporary shift to remote learning across all higher education institutions in the country, effective from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, through Friday, May 8, 2026.

This measure is part of regulatory actions aimed at ensuring the continuity of the educational process with efficiency and flexibility, a WAM report said. Priority academic programmes that require clinical training, laboratory use, direct practical or field-based application, or in-person examinations are exempt; such programmes will continue with face-to-face instruction, as determined by the ministry.

Move comes weeks after return to in-person schooling

The decision comes shortly after schools across the UAE welcomed students back to classrooms on April 20, when in-person learning resumed following comprehensive readiness and safety planning.

Ahead of that reopening, the Ministry of Education completed specialised training for teaching and administrative staff to ensure a safe transition. Operational arrangements, including school transport services, were implemented under strict safety standards, while school buildings underwent rigorous safety evaluations. Detailed guidelines were also issued to support both academic readiness and psychological wellbeing among students and staff.