Hantavirus Alert: Know the Symptoms and How to Protect Yourself

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Recently, people have been talking about Hantavirus. This began with reports of passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship bound for Tenerife, Spain, being infected with the virus, resulting in three fatalities. Although it is a rare disease, Hantavirus infection can cause serious respiratory and kidney problems, potentially fatal if not promptly treated.

Hantavirus is a group of viruses commonly transmitted by rodents, especially rats. This virus can cause two main syndromes in humans. First is the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which usually affects the lungs and respiratory system. There is also Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) which can affect the kidneys and blood vessels.

"Hantavirus infection most commonly occurs through airborne transmission, when a person inhales contaminated air particles from infected rat urine, saliva, or feces. Additionally, direct contact with rat nests or touching contaminated surfaces and then the face also increases the risk of transmission," said Dr. Rio Yansen Cikutra, a Specialist in Internal Medicine at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong in a statement received by Tempo on May 15, 2026. This virus is rare but can trigger fatal medical conditions in infected individuals.

Transmission and Hantavirus Symptoms

There are several common ways Hantavirus is transmitted. The first is by inhaling contaminated air particles from infected rat urine, saliva, or feces. Other modes of transmission include direct contact with rats or their nests, and touching contaminated surfaces, then touching the nose, eyes, or mouth. The last mode is through rat bites, although this is rare. Some types, such as the Andes virus, have the potential for human-to-human transmission, though these cases are rare.

Clinically, Hantavirus symptoms are divided into two stages of development. The first is the initial mild symptoms. Patients generally experience fever, severe headaches, muscle pain (especially in the back and thighs), and extreme fatigue. These symptoms are often accompanied by digestive disturbances such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

There are also more severe advanced symptoms that occur if the condition worsens. In such cases, patients will experience serious respiratory problems, ranging from coughing to acute shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. "In addition, jaundice syndrome (yellowing), drastic decrease in blood pressure (shock), and kidney function impairment can also occur," said Rio.

Implementing Maximum Prevention

The most common mode of Hantavirus transmission is through contaminated air particles from rat urine, saliva, or feces. In order to minimize risk, the community needs to pay attention to its surroundings. First, be cautious in areas with high rat populations. "The living environment or workplaces that are rat habitats are the main risk zones," said Rio.

Furthermore, people need to be cautious about neglected enclosed spaces. People need to be careful when cleaning warehouses, attics, or old buildings without protective gear, as virus-containing dust can easily be inhaled. People can also seal holes inside and outside the house to prevent rodents from entering the house and workplace.

Additionally, people need to maintain cleanliness in their living and working environments. "Use wet mopping methods throughout the area to ensure that harmful particles are not inhaled," said Rio.

High vigilance is also necessary in the agricultural and plantation sectors. Workers in open areas or on plantations are at higher risk due to their intense contact with rodents' natural habitats. People who enjoy outdoor activities also need to pay attention to self-protection. Camping or engaging in activities in the woods and camping areas without attention to food hygiene and sleeping areas can increase the risk of exposure.

It is also important for people to be aware of poor sanitation conditions. A filthy environment and a lack of proper waste management will attract virus-carrying animals. "If you start experiencing symptoms such as high fever accompanied by severe muscle pain, especially after activities in risky environments or having a history of contact with rodents, seek medical attention at the nearest health facility. Early medical treatment is crucial to prevent more severe complications," said Rio.

Director of Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, Margareth Aryani Santoso, emphasizes the importance of rapid medical response. "Through the availability of modern isolation facilities and competent medical teams, Bethsaida Hospital is ready to be at the forefront in dealing with various public health challenges, including the risk of infectious diseases such as Hantavirus," said Margareth.

Read: Academic Urges Tighter Rodent Control to Prevent Hantavirus

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