Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is closely monitoring developments in the spread of hantavirus infections following reports of cases at the global level. Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that although there were reports of the spread of the infection originating from a cruise ship in a neighbouring country, the situation was under control and did not involve Malaysians.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized that the MOH will continue to monitor the development of this outbreak at the global and regional levels to ensure that border preparedness and the country's health system are at the highest level. Hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus that can infect humans through contaminated air containing droppings, urine, or saliva from infected animals. He warned that the infection should not be taken lightly as its complications can be fatal, with the mortality rate for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) reaching between 30 and 40 per cent.

Preventive measures and individual precautions remain the most effective forms of protection, as there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for the infection. Dzulkefly urged the public to pay attention to environmental cleanliness and ensure that homes and workplaces are free from pests. He reassured the public that there is no need to panic but emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant.

Dzulkefly also encouraged the public to refer to the infographic shared on his social media platforms for guidance on symptoms, modes of transmission, and safe methods of cleaning animal waste. The infographic indicates that early symptoms include fever and chills, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue, while severe symptoms include shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and kidney complications.

International media previously reported that several European countries have stepped up monitoring and isolation measures following a hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius.