New Delhi: India has activated an extensive nationwide surveillance network comprising 165 specialised laboratories to monitor and detect possible cases of hantavirus infection following the deadly outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. The move comes amid growing international concern over the Andes strain of hantavirus, which has been linked to multiple deaths and is known for its rare ability to spread between humans.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), along with the Union Health Ministry, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), has intensified monitoring measures as two Indian nationals onboard the affected vessel remain under observation under international health protocols. Officials said both individuals are asymptomatic at present.
Authorities said the “Viral Shield” network includes Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories spread across the country, equipped with RT-PCR testing systems capable of identifying the genetic signature of the Andes hantavirus strain at an early stage. The surveillance mechanism has been activated as a precautionary public health response to prevent any possible importation of the virus into India.
According to information shared through World Health Organization (WHO) channels, eight probable hantavirus infections have been reported onboard the Dutch expedition vessel MV Hondius, with five laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths so far. International health agencies are continuing contact tracing and epidemiological investigations due to the virus’s relatively long incubation period.
The WHO has assessed the current global public health risk as low, but health experts remain cautious because the Andes strain is the only known hantavirus capable of limited human-to-human transmission, usually through prolonged close contact.
Senior officials said India’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre recently convened a high-level review meeting involving experts from IDSP and India’s International Health Regulations National Focal Point to review preparedness, diagnostic capability and response coordination.
Hantaviruses are primarily transmitted to humans through exposure to infected rodent urine, saliva or droppings. Severe infections can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a life-threatening respiratory illness marked by fever, breathing difficulty and lung complications. There is currently no specific antiviral cure for the disease, making early detection and supportive treatment critical.
Health authorities have advised people, especially travellers and those working in rodent-prone environments, to maintain hygiene, avoid contact with rodent-infested spaces and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, muscle pain or breathing difficulties develop after potential exposure.
