New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the evolving situation of hantavirus infection on board the cruise ship MV Hondius, in close coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, the World Health Organisation and a number of international health authorities. As a precautionary measure, the Health Ministry has activated precautionary surveillance measures. There are two Indian nationals on board the vessel, with both individuals presently asymptomatic and under observation in accordance with established international health protocols. The National Centre for Disease Control has convened a high-level review meeting involving senior officials to assess the situation and review the preparedness measures.
The Health Ministry remains vigilant is closely coordinating with WHO and other international partners, and is taking the necessary public health measures proactively to safeguard the health and well-being of Indian citizens. The virus is well-understood, and is known for decades, and there has been no outbreaks reported in the country. In a detailed explainer on the hantavirus, Apollo Hospitals has noted, “The risk in India is considered very low. While Hantavirus strains do exist in the country’s rodent populations, human cases are rare and no large outbreaks have been reported. Good rodent control and hygiene are your best prevention measures.”
Hantavirus not a common public health problem in India
Infections of hantavirus are rare across the world, and the virus does not spread easily between people. The basic precautions include keeping a clean home, controlling rodents and practicing safe hygiene. The disease primarily passes from rodents to humans. The most common route of infection breathing in the virus through airborne particles of dried out rodent urine, droppings or nesting material. Hantavirus is not a common public health problem in India, with no large outbreaks. Practical rodent-control measures is the main precaution for the general public.
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