Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The rare hantavirus outbreak reported aboard a cruise ship carrying two Indian crew members has triggered international attention, but Indian health experts and government agencies say there is no immediate concern for the country as sporadic hantavirus cases and evidence of exposure have been reported in India earlier as well.According to information shared through International Health Regulations channels, two Indian nationals onboard the vessel are currently asymptomatic and under observation.The World Health Organization has also said the overall public-health risk remains low and there is no cause for panic.The Dutch-flagged expedition vessel MV Hondius reported eight suspected and confirmed infections linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus, including three deaths, while travelling from South America towards Africa.Experts said the outbreak has drawn attention mainly because the Andes strain is the only known hantavirus variant associated with limited human-to-human transmission. However, unlike Covid-19, the infection does not spread easily and generally requires prolonged close exposure.“Hantavirus is a rodent-borne viral infection that can affect the lungs and kidneys. In severe lung involvement, known as cardiopulmonary hantavirus disease, mortality can reach 30-50%. However, unlike Covid-19, it is not highly contagious and is mainly transmitted through contact with infected rodent saliva, urine or droppings,” said Dr G.C. Khilnani, Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine.He said India has so far seen only sporadic cases and there is no immediate public-health threat. Dr Khilnani advised people to keep homes rodent-free and use wet cleaning instead of dry sweeping in contaminated areas because infected particles can become airborne during cleaning.Medical literature from India has documented rare hantavirus infections earlier too. A case report published in the Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine described Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in a Mumbai woman shortly after childbirth. Doctors had initially suspected dengue or leptospirosis because the symptoms overlapped before hantavirus antibodies were later detected.Dr N.K. Ganguly, Chairperson, Department of Biotechnology and Research at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said the Andes strain had earlier been linked to outbreaks in Argentina and may initially resemble a Covid-like respiratory illness.“Patients may first develop fever, body ache, malaise and mild respiratory symptoms before some rapidly deteriorate and require intensive care,” he said.Dr Ganguly added that India’s healthcare system is now better prepared after Covid-19, with advanced hospitals capable of detecting hantavirus through respiratory virus testing panels. Suspected patients would be isolated and managed under respiratory infection protocols, though no proven antiviral treatment currently exists.A senior health ministry official said WHO is coordinating international response measures under the International Health Regulations mechanism, including diagnostic support, epidemiological assessment, and arrangements for safe disembarkation of passengers and crew.The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under IDSP-NCDC has also held a high-level review meeting to assess the situation and preparedness measures. The Union health ministry is maintaining close coordination with WHO and other international partners, the official added.
