KUALA LUMPUR, 6 June 2026 (The Capital Post) – Recent global attention on hantavirus following reports of a cruise ship outbreak has raised public concern, particularly after several fatalities and reports involving a strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
However, health experts stress that the situation does not signal the start of another pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hantavirus behaves differently from highly transmissible viruses such as COVID-19, although certain strains can carry mortality rates of between 30 and 40 per cent.
Consultant Physician and Infectious Diseases Specialist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Dr Lee Kok Soon, said hantavirus is not a new disease and has long been recognised in various parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas, where rodent-borne infections continue to be reported annually.
“While it is natural for people to become alert when infectious diseases make headlines, it is equally important to understand how these infections spread and the actual level of risk involved,” he said.
Dr Lee explained that hantavirus refers to a group of rodent-borne viruses rather than a single virus. Different strains can affect the body in different ways, with some targeting the lungs and respiratory system while others are associated with kidney-related complications, including haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
In the Americas, certain strains can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe condition that leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs and may result in respiratory failure. In Europe and Asia, some strains are more commonly linked to kidney complications and bleeding disorders.
The recent outbreak attracted international attention due to its association with the Andes strain, one of the few hantavirus strains known to allow limited human-to-human transmission. Nevertheless, experts note that its transmission mechanism differs significantly from COVID-19.
According to Dr Lee, hantavirus infections are most commonly linked to exposure to environments contaminated by infected rodents such as rats and mice. The virus can spread when microscopic particles from rodent urine, saliva or droppings become airborne and are inhaled. In rare cases, infection may also occur through rodent bites or scratches.
“Simple activities such as sweeping or vacuuming a contaminated storeroom can release infectious particles into the air without people realising it,” he said.
To minimise risks, Dr Lee advised against dry sweeping areas suspected of rodent infestation, including abandoned buildings, dusty warehouses and long-neglected spaces. Instead, contaminated areas should first be sprayed with disinfectant and left for several minutes before being cleaned using a damp cloth.
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He also encouraged the use of gloves and masks during cleaning activities, proper waste disposal and maintaining good ventilation in enclosed spaces.
One of the challenges in identifying hantavirus infections is that early symptoms often resemble those of more common illnesses. Patients may experience fever, body aches, fatigue, nausea and dizziness, symptoms frequently mistaken for influenza, dengue, leptospirosis or COVID-19.
“Exposure history becomes an important clue, especially if patients have recently been in rodent-infested or poorly ventilated environments,” he said.
Diagnosis typically involves clinical assessment, laboratory investigations and imaging studies. In severe respiratory cases, chest imaging may reveal fluid accumulation in the lungs, while blood tests may show abnormalities affecting platelet counts, kidney function or liver function. Confirmation is usually performed through specialised laboratory tests such as PCR or antibody testing.
Although there is currently no specific treatment for hantavirus infection, Dr Lee stressed that seeking medical attention early remains crucial as the disease can progress rapidly once severe respiratory symptoms develop. Severe cases may require oxygen support, intensive care treatment or dialysis, depending on the organs affected.
While Malaysia has not reported any hantavirus outbreaks, Dr Lee said the recent global attention serves as a timely reminder that rodent-borne infections should not be overlooked.
He advised households to maintain clean environments, store food properly and take extra precautions when cleaning neglected or dusty spaces, particularly after floods, renovations or prolonged periods of abandonment.
“Simple preventive habits and safe cleaning practices can significantly reduce exposure risks. If symptoms worsen following possible rodent exposure, it is important to seek medical attention early,” he added.– The Capital Post
