Caribbean health officials ease hantavirus fears as Trump names Kari Lake for Kingston embassy

Regional health officials are urging calm after overseas hantavirus deaths stirred concern on social media, including discussion of cases linked to cruise travel.

Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Executive Director Dr Lisa Indar said the rodent species associated with the Andes strain, which can spread between people through very close contact, is not found in the Caribbean. Hantavirus is a serious zoonotic disease spread mainly through infected rodents or by breathing in particles from droppings or saliva. There is no antiviral treatment or vaccine; care is supportive, including oxygen therapy. Officials say the strain does not spread as easily as COVID-19 and is not considered a pandemic threat. CARPHA is still urging sanitation, rodent control, and vigilance, while stressing there is no current cause for alarm in the region.

US President Donald Trump has nominated former Arizona news anchor and politician Kari Lake as the next US ambassador to Jamaica. The White House announced the nomination on Monday; Senate approval is required before she can take office. Lake spent more than 20 years in television before entering politics and now serves as a senior adviser in the Trump administration. The US Embassy in Kingston remains under chargé d'affaires Scott Rena, who led the mission after the previous ambassador's tenure ended in January 2025.

The inaugural Popeye's Challenge Cup double header is set for Wednesday, 13 May, at Drax Hall Sports Complex: Grays Inn face Duncan United at 4:30 p.m., then Lime Hall meet Wi-Fi United at 7:45 p.m. The 25-team knockout pairs seven Jamaica Premier League clubs with 18 Jamaica Football Championship sides. Lime Hall goalkeeper, coach and administrator Oshane Allen said his St Ann-based club is preparing for a win-or-go-home match and wants supporters at the ground.

Police in Manchester identified two men killed in an alleged shootout with lawmen in Mandeville last Friday night as 19-year-old Dave Rayund, otherwise called D, of Manningfield District, and 18-year-old Dante Edward Carter of Hanbury, Manchester, and Brighton, St Elizabeth. Investigations continue.

CXC warned students that submitting AI-generated school-based assessment work is academic dishonesty. Director of Operations Dr Nicole Manning said AI may help explain terms or brainstorm, but the regional body will not rely solely on detection software to judge misconduct.

Calabar High School named Kamar Ricketts to lead its football programme from 1 June 2026. Tasty Cheese awarded Black River resident Cudian Forbes a two-bedroom container home after Hurricane Melissa destroyed her board house; winners were announced on 26 April. Guardian Group's Shine 5K Night Run Walk is set for 23 May in Kingston and 30 May in Montego Bay to support Kingston Public Hospital's renal unit and other charities.