08 May,2026 01:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Poonam Ahuja
This handout picture released by Argentina`s Health Ministry shows a scientist handling containers used to diagnose the Andes hantavirus. Photo/AFP
As a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship leaves three dead and at least five infected, there is one question worrying Mumbaikars: could this rare rodent-borne virus ever reach India's crowded cities?
What has caught global attention is not just the outbreak on the cruise ship itself but also the presence of the Andes strain - a rare form of hantavirus capable of limited human-to-human transmission under close contact conditions. With two Indian nationals among the crew members onboard, the incident has triggered concern and intense monitoring by international health agencies.
The cruise ship, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1 with 149 people onboard, turned into a high-risk containment challenge after multiple infections were reported in the middle of remote Atlantic waters, far from immediate medical access.
While Mumbai doctors stress that there is no immediate threat to the city, the incident is a stark reminder of how quickly rare infections can attract global concern in an era of international travel. Medical professionals told mid-day.com that the risk remains extremely low, and there is no immediate reason to panic. However, awareness is important, especially in cities with dense rodent populations and during monsoon season.
Hantavirus is a rare viral infection spread mainly by infected rodents such as rats and mice.
Humans can get infected through:
⢠Rat urine, saliva, or droppings
⢠Breathing contaminated dust particles
⢠Cleaning closed or poorly ventilated spaces
⢠Exposure to rodent-infested areas
Experts stress that hantavirus does not spread easily between humans.
The early symptoms are quite non-specific and may feel like a regular viral infection initially.
Common symptoms include:
⢠Fever
⢠Body ache and muscle pain
⢠Headache
⢠Weakness and fatigue
⢠Nausea or vomiting
⢠Dry cough
In some patients, breathing difficulty and chest congestion can develop later, which may become serious if not treated in time.
Anyone with persistent fever and a history of rodent exposure should seek medical advice early.
The early signs of hantavirus usually mimic a case of influenza, which poses difficulties for early detection. Respiratory symptoms may be in the form of coughing, chest congestion, difficulty breathing, and low blood oxygen content, indicating infection of the lungs. In severe cases, lungs can accumulate fluids leading to respiratory distress, which needs intensive care therapy using a respirator. Any patient exhibiting breathing difficulties following exposure to rodents, dusty and closed areas requires immediate hospitalisation.
- Hantavirus is diagnosed through blood tests detecting IgM and IgG antibodies or viral RNA via RT-PCR.
- Chest X-rays and HRCT scans can reveal lung inflammation and fluid buildup.
- Low platelet count and high hematocrit levels may help confirm infection.
- Early diagnosis is critical as severe cases can quickly lead to respiratory failure.
- Incubation period ranges from one to six weeks after exposure.
- Symptoms often resemble common infections, which can delay diagnosis.
At the moment, there is no cause for panic in Mumbai and no confirmed large-scale threat related to hantavirus. However, as the virus is associated with rodents, people should remain cautious, especially during monsoon and in areas where rat infestation is common. Awareness and hygiene are far more important right now than fear.
Higher-risk groups include:
⢠Elderly people
⢠Asthma or COPD patients
⢠Diabetics
⢠Heart disease patients
⢠Immunocompromised individuals
Children can also get infected, though symptoms may initially appear mild.
India has reported very few confirmed hantavirus cases and no major outbreaks so far. However, mild or isolated infections may go unnoticed as symptoms often resemble dengue, leptospirosis, or severe viral pneumonia. Limited testing and low awareness may also contribute to underdiagnosis, making medical surveillance important.
Rodents can potentially carry hantavirus, making sanitation and pest control important in rodent-prone areas like Mumbai. However, there is currently no evidence of widespread hantavirus activity among the city's rodents.
The virus spreads through contact with infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, mainly by inhaling contaminated particles. Risk factors include exposure in dilapidated buildings, garbage sites, basements, and dusty storage spaces. Wearing masks while cleaning abandoned or dust-filled areas can help reduce risk.
Yes. In its early stages, hantavirus can easily be mistaken for dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, flu, or even Covid-19, as symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, and body pain are common in all these illnesses.
The difference often becomes clearer when severe breathing problems develop, including chest tightness, breathlessness, and low oxygen levels. Chest X-rays may show pneumonia-like changes, while a history of rodent exposure or cleaning dusty spaces can also help doctors identify hantavirus.
Basic hygiene and cleanliness play the biggest role in prevention:
⢠Keep homes and kitchens clean
⢠Avoid food waste accumulation
⢠Seal openings where rodents can enter
⢠Use gloves and masks while cleaning rodent-infested areas
⢠Avoid directly sweeping rodent droppings; disinfect the area first
⢠Ensure regular pest control, especially during monsoon season
People should remember that prevention begins with sanitation and awareness, not panic.
The prevention of rodent contact is perhaps the most critical precaution against contracting hantavirus as well as any other diseases associated with rodents. Storage of food in airtight jars and disposal of garbage regularly will help avoid attracting rats to residential houses. Storage rooms, kitchens, and basements need to be kept clean, dry, and well-ventilated. It should be noted that when sweeping dust from rodent droppings, one may inhale the infected particles in the process, which can result in illness. Therefore, disinfection of the location with the use of bleach solution or any domestic disinfectant agent should be performed first.
⢠Rodents such as rats, mice, deer mice, and cotton rats are the main carriers of hantavirus.
⢠The virus spreads through their urine, saliva, and droppings.
⢠People usually get infected by inhaling contaminated particles in closed or poorly ventilated spaces.
⢠Good hygiene, rodent control, and safe cleaning practices can help prevent infection.
Presently, there is no vaccine or any specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections in India. Treatment mainly depends upon supportive measures and dealing with respiratory issues promptly.
As per pulmonary physicians, those cases of hantavirus where the involvement is serious may be treated with oxygen therapy, ICU treatment, ventilation management, and fluid balance maintenance since the condition might lead to respiratory failure.
Hospitalisation at the earliest is vital. As there is no specific treatment for hantavirus, preventive measures are highly significant. Staying away from rodents, keeping the surroundings clean, and visiting the doctor if one feels unexplained fever with breathlessness or chest problems are some of the best methods of protecting oneself from hantavirus infections. Annual vaccination against influenza may reduce impact of other respiratory viral infections (cross protection) and once in lifetime vaccination with Latest pneumococcal vaccine may also help in lowering the intensity / severity of pneumococcal pneumonia which is a known occurrence post viral respiratory infection.
These aren't hantavirus-specific but in general help improving immunity against occurrence of severe respiratory infections. Keeping immunity good with high protein diet and balanced nutrition coupled with regular exercises cannot be overemphasised!
Pulmonologists are trained to manage severe respiratory infections, including rare viral lung diseases such as hantavirus. However, diagnosis can be challenging in India due to the disease's rarity and limited testing availability, though specialised centres can confirm suspected cases.
Early hantavirus symptoms often resemble influenza, dengue, or Covid-19, making detection difficult. Most patients seek pulmonary care only after developing breathlessness, low oxygen levels, or other serious lung complications.
Inputs shared by Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant - internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel; Dr Samir Garde, consultant - interventional pulmonologist, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, and Dr Ajay Shah, managing director of Neuberg Ajay Shah Laboratory, Mumbai
