Three hantavirus cases have been confirmed in Jakarta. Another six people are under medical observation. The city authorities have issued an alert to all medical facilities in the capital, designated several district hospitals for enhanced monitoring, and have a rapid response team on standby.
Hantavirus is linked to rodents. You can become infected through contact with the urine, saliva, or droppings of rats and mice, by inhaling dust containing contaminated particles, or through a bite. The main household risk is cleaning places where rodents may have lived for a long time: storage rooms, warehouses, garages, vacant rooms, and villas after being left unused.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health reported that from 2024 to May 2026, the country recorded 256 suspected cases and 23 confirmed cases of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome—one form of the disease associated with hantavirus.
The pulmonary syndrome that was reported in connection with an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius has not been detected in Indonesia, according to the ministry.
There are no confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases in Bali. At the same time, the island has stepped up monitoring at ports, the airport, and other higher-risk locations, and medical facilities have been instructed to pay attention to patients with severe flu-like symptoms if they have had contact with rats or contaminated environments.
The World Health Organization previously stated that the risk of widespread transmission remains low and that travel restrictions are not required. Indonesia’s Ministry of Health also emphasises that hantavirus does not spread between people as easily as COVID-19; the main route of infection is linked to rodents.
The main recommendation is not to sweep or vacuum dry rodent droppings. If you develop a fever, body aches, headache, cough, or shortness of breath after contact with rodents or their traces, it’s best to go to a clinic and tell the doctor straight away about the possible exposure.
Source: antaranews.com
You can add one right now!