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REPUBLICA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Andean Hantavirus spreading on board the MV Hondius has sparked global concern, as it has caused three patients to die and several others to become ill. But apparently, cases of different strains of hantavirus have also been detected in Indonesia.
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia noted that there were 23 confirmed positive cases of hantavirus found in Indonesia during 2024 to 2026. Of these, three people were reported to have died with a case fatality rate or Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 13 percent.
“The confirmed case found is Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) strain of Seoul Virus,” said the head of the Ministry of Communications and Public Services Bureau, Aji Muhawarman, in an official statement quoted Monday (11/5/2026).
The spread of cases was recorded in a number of regions of Indonesia. The Special Capital Region of Jakarta and the Special Region of Yogyakarta became the areas with the highest number of cases, six cases each.
Meanwhile, West Java recorded five cases. Then Banten, West Sumatra, West Kalimantan, East Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and North Sulawesi, one case each. Hanta virus is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted from rats or mice to humans.
The Ministry of Health revealed a number of risk factors for hantavirus transmission. High risks are found in occupations related to contact with rats, such as janitors, farmers, construction workers, pest controllers, sewer cleaners, to laboratory workers handling reservoirs.
In addition, activity in risky areas such as old warehouses, neglected areas, and basements can also increase the potential for exposure to the virus. Areas with high rat populations and high rainfall are also risk factors for the spread of the disease.
“The next risk factor is contact with the source of infection while doing recreational and tourist activities, such as mountain climbing and camping,” the Ministry said.
As a preventive measure, the public is encouraged to follow the health protocol by regularly washing hands using soap or hand sanitizer and applying cough and sneezing ethics. The public was also asked to avoid direct contact with rodensia or its excretions and secretions, maintain cleanliness of living quarters and workplaces, and store food and beverages in sealed containers to prevent contamination of rats.
In addition, residents are asked to close all holes inside and outside the house to prevent rhododendrons from entering the residential area. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges people to immediately check themselves into health care facilities if they experience symptoms of hanta virus disease such as fever, headache, body pain, malaise, cough, and shortness of breath.
Experts also reveal that environmental degradation caused by climate change and human activities contribute to the spread of hantavirus. These conditions allow the rodent to breed in new territories.
