Hantavirus Not New Pandemic Threat But Risks Should Not Be Ignored - Specialist

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Hantavirus infections linked to exposure to rodents should not be taken lightly, although the disease does not pose a new pandemic threat, according to Consultant Physician and Infectious Diseases Specialist, Dr Lee Kok Soon of Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC).

He said hantavirus is not a new disease and has been recognised globally, particularly in parts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, where rodent-borne infections continue to be reported annually.

“It is natural for people to become alert whenever a new infectious disease appears in the headlines, especially after COVID-19. While awareness is important, it is equally important to understand how these infections actually spread and the level of risk involved,” he said in a statement today.

He was commenting on the recent hantavirus headlines linked to a cruise ship outbreak, which have sparked concern, especially following several fatalities and reports involving a strain capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

Dr Lee explained that hantavirus is not a single virus, but a group of rodent-borne viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally be transmitted to humans, with different strains affecting the body differently, with some strains mainly affecting the lungs and respiratory system, while others are more linked to kidney complications, which causes haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

“In the Americas, certain hantavirus strains can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe condition involving fluid accumulation in the lungs that may lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory failure. In Europe and Asia, some strains are more commonly associated with kidney-related complications and bleeding disorders,” he said.

According to Dr Lee, hantavirus infections are commonly linked to exposure to environments contaminated by infected rodents, like rats and mice and the virus may spread when tiny particles from rodent urine, saliva or droppings become airborne and inhaled. In rare situations, transmission may also occur through rodent bites or scratches.

Therefore, Dr Lee advises against dry sweeping rodent-infested areas such as abandoned buildings, dusty warehouses, or long-neglected areas.

Instead, contaminated areas should first be sprayed with disinfectant, left for several minutes before being wiped using a damp cloth, he said.

He also encourages simple preventive measures such as wearing gloves and masks during cleaning, disposing of waste properly and maintaining good ventilation.

Dr Lee said one of the challenges with hantavirus and other infectious diseases is that the early symptoms can look very similar to many common illnesses, and patients may initially experience fever, body aches, fatigue, nausea or dizziness, symptoms that are often mistaken for influenza, dengue, leptospirosis, or COVID-19.

“Exposure history becomes an important clue, especially if the patients have recently been in rodent-infested or poorly ventilated environments,” he said, adding that confirmation is typically performed through specialised laboratory testing such as PCR or antibody testing.

Dr Lee said that although there is currently no specific treatment for this infection, early medical attention remains crucial because the disease can progress rapidly once severe respiratory symptoms develop.

“Although Malaysia has not reported any hantavirus outbreaks, the recent global attention to the virus serves as an important reminder that rodent-borne infections should not be overlooked,” he said.

He also advised households to maintain clean environments, store food properly, and take extra precautions when cleaning neglected or dusty spaces, particularly after floods, renovations, or long periods of abandonment.

“Simple preventive habits and safe cleaning practices can significantly reduce exposure risks. If symptoms worsen after possible rodent exposure, it is important to seek medical attention early,” he added.

-- BERNAMA