The World Health Organization is closely monitoring a hantavirus outbreak that so far involves eight reported cases, including confirmed and suspected infections, and three deaths, but it says the risk to the general public remains low and is under regular review. Rapid online sharing of incomplete information has fuelled fear and myths, prompting doctors to stress that hantavirus behaves very differently from respiratory viruses such as influenza or COVID-19 and requires a different public-health response.
Speaking to NDTV, Dr. Swati Maheshwari, Additional Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Manesar, and Dr. K. Seshi Kiran, Senior Consultant General Physician at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, said clear facts and practical precautions are the best defence against unnecessary panic. They urged people to understand how hantavirus spreads, how it presents, and what measures reduce risk.
Hantavirus is primarily a rodent-borne infection. Transmission usually occurs when people inhale particles contaminated with infected rodent urine, saliva or droppings, particularly in dusty, poorly ventilated spaces. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and has been documented only with certain strains; routine close contact with an infected person is not the main route of spread.
Although early symptoms — fever, body aches, tiredness and cough — can resemble flu or COVID-19, hantavirus belongs to a different virus family and can affect the lungs, kidneys and other organs in distinct and sometimes rapid ways. That is why doctors advise prompt medical attention if symptoms develop after known exposure to rodent-infested areas.
Not every fever or cough after cleaning dusty rooms signals hantavirus. The infection is uncommon but serious; risk rises with clear exposure to rodent-contaminated sites such as old storage rooms, abandoned buildings, warehouses or places with visible droppings. Simple dust exposure without evidence of rodents is far less likely to cause infection, so monitoring symptoms and seeking medical advice is the appropriate response rather than immediate alarm.
Hantavirus is not confined to rural areas. Rodents can enter homes, offices, markets, storage units and apartment buildings in cities. Poor urban rodent control and unhygienic conditions can increase exposure, so good waste management and building maintenance matter everywhere.
Wearing a basic mask helps but is not enough on its own. Experts recommend safe cleaning: first wet the area with disinfectant or water to reduce airborne particles, avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming droppings, and use gloves and a mask together. Thorough handwashing after cleaning is essential.
Contrary to some fears, hantavirus is not always fatal. Early diagnosis and supportive medical care can significantly improve outcomes. Warning signs such as difficulty breathing, severe fatigue, chest discomfort or worsening fever should prompt immediate medical attention, especially following potential rodent exposure.
Prevention is realistic and practical: control rodents, seal food in containers, dispose of garbage properly, close cracks and holes that allow rodent entry, and clean suspected areas with disinfectant rather than dry methods. Doctors say informed caution and simple hygiene measures are the most effective ways to reduce risk without creating undue panic. This information is general in nature and not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a specialist or your doctor for personal guidance.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/health/hantavirus-myths-vs-facts-7-myths-about-viral-illness-you-should-stop-believing-11476418#publisher=newsstand
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-05-11 01:32:00
