The ongoing hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has raised global concern after multiple countries confirmed infections caused by the rare Andes strain, a variant associated with limited human-to-human transmission.
While Indian health authorities have said there is no immediate threat to the country and the two Indian crew members onboard remain asymptomatic, doctors say the incident serves as an important reminder about the need for public awareness, hygiene practices, and rodent control to prevent infection.
Experts emphasise that hantavirus infections remain rare in India, but exposure to rodents in both urban and rural settings means preventive measures should not be ignored.
How hantavirus spreads
Hantavirus is mainly transmitted to humans through exposure to infected rodents and their urine, saliva, or droppings. Infection commonly occurs when contaminated dust particles become airborne and are inhaled while cleaning rodent-infested areas.
“We have to understand how hantavirus normally spreads. The urine, saliva, and other secretions of rodents are dropped on surfaces, and after drying up, the virus can remain alive. When this dust is inhaled by an individual, there is a potential risk of infection,” said Dr Gopi Chand Khilnani, Chairman of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital.
Doctors said the virus does not usually spread easily between humans, unlike respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 or influenza.
“The standard hantavirus is not transmitted from human to human. This is not a virus comparable to the COVID virus or the influenza virus. There’s absolutely no need to panic,” Dr Khilnani added.
Rodent control
Medical experts said prevention remains the most effective defence because there is currently no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for hantavirus infection.
“The best way to prevent hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodents and their urine, droppings, and nesting materials,” said Dr Namita Jaggi, Chairperson of Lab Services, Infection Control, Education and Research at Artemis Hospitals.
Doctors recommend keeping homes, kitchens, storage spaces, and surroundings clean and free from rodent infestation. Food should be stored in sealed or rodent-proof containers, while garbage should be disposed of properly to avoid attracting rats and mice.
“Keep homes and storage areas rodent-free, seal food containers properly, and maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal,” said Dr Hatinder Jeet Singh Sethi, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital.
Experts also advise sealing cracks, holes, and entry points in walls and floors to prevent rodents from entering homes and workplaces.
Safe cleaning practices
Doctors warn that failing to clean rodent droppings properly can increase infection risk, as sweeping or vacuuming dry waste may release virus particles into the air.
“Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings directly because this disperses contaminated particles into the air,” said Dr Jaggi.
Instead, experts recommend spraying contaminated areas with disinfectant or bleach solution before cleaning. Gloves and masks should be used while handling potentially contaminated material.
“If you still need to clean dry droppings in sensitive areas, use an N95 mask during the process,” said Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant Chest Physician, Bronchoscopist, Intensivist, and Sleep Disorder Specialist at Gleneagles Hospitals.
Poorly ventilated spaces such as warehouses, storage facilities, farms, sheds, and abandoned buildings should be aired out before cleaning, doctors added.
Staying cautious
Health experts said certain groups face greater exposure risk, particularly farmers, sanitation workers, warehouse workers, campers, trekkers, and people cleaning long-unused or rodent-infested spaces.
“Hantavirus infection is mainly transmitted through exposure to an infected rodent or its fluids. Humans get the infection by breathing airborne virus particles in poorly ventilated sites such as storage facilities, farms, or warehouses with rodent infestation,” said Dr Diksha Goyal, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospitals.
Experts said urban populations are not completely protected either, especially in areas with poor sanitation, garbage accumulation, and dense rodent activity.
Early symptoms
Doctors warn that hantavirus can initially resemble a flu-like illness, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Early symptoms may include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In severe cases, the infection may rapidly affect the lungs and cause breathing difficulty.
“In severe cases, hantavirus can cause fluid to leak into the lungs, leading to breathing difficulty, low oxygen levels, and a life-threatening condition called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS),” said Dr Sandeep Kadian, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist and Intensivist at AIMS Hospital.
Doctors advised immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe breathlessness, chest tightness, bluish lips, confusion, or falling oxygen levels develop.
“If the saturation goes below 90-92, that is a red flag to seek medical care immediately,” said Dr Khilnani.
Stress on awareness
Experts said public awareness is crucial because many people mistake early symptoms for seasonal flu and delay seeking care.
