India Activates Precautionary Surveillance As WHO Assesses Hantavirus Risk As Low

The Union Health Ministry has initiated precautionary surveillance and coordination measures following reports of hantavirus infections aboard the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius, even as the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the overall public health risk as low.

According to officials in the Health Ministry, the Centre is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), WHO, and other international public health agencies under the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework.

Preliminary information shared through WHO channels indicates that eight probable cases of hantavirus infection have been detected onboard the vessel, of which five have been laboratory confirmed. Three deaths linked to the outbreak have also been reported. WHO was informed of the incident earlier this month.

According to medical experts, the virus involved in the outbreak is the Andes strain of hantavirus, a relatively uncommon variant known for its limited capability of human-to-human transmission. Health experts noted that transmission generally requires prolonged and close contact with infected individuals, unlike airborne viral infections that spread rapidly in community settings.

The WHO, while maintaining that the immediate global risk remains low, has cautioned that additional cases may emerge because hantavirus infections can have a comparatively long incubation period.

International health authorities are therefore continuing enhanced surveillance and contact tracing measures associated with the incident.

A senior Health Ministry official said WHO is coordinating international response measures under the IHR mechanism, including epidemiological investigations, laboratory and diagnostic support, and arrangements for the safe disembarkation and onward travel of passengers and crew members.

Information shared through international health channels has also indicated that two Indian nationals are currently onboard the vessel. However, it is said that both individuals are asymptomatic at present and remain under observation in accordance with established international health protocols.

“In view of the evolving situation, India has activated precautionary public health surveillance measures and is maintaining continuous coordination with WHO and relevant authorities,” the officials said.

As part of preparedness efforts, the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), functioning under the IDSP and NCDC, convened a high-level review meeting involving senior surveillance and IHR officials to assess the emerging situation and review response readiness.

The deliberations focused on surveillance preparedness, risk assessment, coordination protocols, and the need for timely information-sharing with international partners. Authorities are also reviewing standard operating procedures relating to contact tracing, travel-related monitoring, and management of suspected cases, if required.

Health officials stressed that there is currently no evidence of any domestic spread or public health threat within India. However, they underlined the importance of maintaining vigilance due to the nature of international travel and the possibility of delayed symptom onset.

Hantaviruses are primarily rodent-borne viruses that can cause severe respiratory or renal illnesses in humans. Human infections usually occur through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The Andes strain, identified mainly in parts of South America, is among the few hantavirus variants documented to exhibit limited person-to-person transmission.

The Health Ministry said India’s disease surveillance network remains alert and capable of responding swiftly should any suspected case be reported.

Officials added that coordination with ports, immigration authorities, and international health agencies would continue as part of routine preparedness measures.

"All necessary steps are being undertaken proactively to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Indian citizens while closely tracking global developments linked to the outbreak," said the officials.