Hantavirus Alert: Precautions Activated in India for Travellers
India’s Union Health Ministry has recently stepped up surveillance measures due to reported cases of hantavirus infections on the MV Hondius cruise ship. According to official updates shared with the World Health Organization (WHO), there are eight suspected cases linked to the vessel, including five confirmed infections and three fatalities. Notably, two Indian nationals are on board but show no symptoms.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is closely tracking the situation, in collaboration with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), WHO, and global health authorities.
Current Risk Assessment by WHO
The WHO has evaluated the public health risk as “low” at present. However, the agency is continuing to monitor the situation closely. Importantly, they noted that the strain involved in this incident exhibits limited human-to-human transmission.
Understanding Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a group of serious viruses carried by rodents, and they can infect humans via exposure to rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. The outbreak on the cruise ship is suspected to involve the Andes virus, which is typically found in South America. The infection can lead to hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) with symptoms that may appear one to eight weeks after exposure. These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Nausea and stomach discomfort
- Severe cases may involve coughing and breathing difficulties
Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for hantavirus.
Guidelines for Cruise Travellers
Cruise ships are highly susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases due to the close quarters in which passengers and crew members live. Given that these ships frequently move between ports, effective contact tracing is crucial.
Advice for Indian Travellers
For Indian travellers, especially those planning trips to remote areas in South America, experts recommend being cautious but not overly alarmed. Here are some practical tips:
- Avoid places known for rodent infestations.
- Exercise caution while camping.
- Steer clear of poorly ventilated cabins or lodgings that might attract rodents.
- Refrain from sweeping dry rodent droppings; instead, damp cleaning methods are safer.
- Maintain good hygiene.
The Union Health Ministry has assured that India remains vigilant, holding high-level meetings to ensure preparedness and appropriate responses. While the risk remains low according to WHO, awareness is crucial for those travelling internationally.
