Avoid Hantavirus: Residents Urged to Exercise Caution When Cleaning Rat Droppings

The Head of the Jakarta Provincial Health Office, Ani Ruspitawati, has urged the public to remain vigilant when cleaning areas containing rat droppings to avoid the spread of Hantavirus.

“What needs to be watched out for is when people clean places that show signs of heavy rat infestation; caution is necessary because there are several modes of transmission,” Ani stated in West Jakarta on Monday.

She noted that the virus can spread if rat droppings, saliva, or urine mix with airborne particles and are subsequently inhaled. Furthermore, transmission can occur through direct contact with Hanta-contaminated secretions or via rat bites.

To mitigate these risks, Ani advised that anyone cleaning areas with rat droppings must ensure proper ventilation. “The area should first be sprayed with disinfectant. In a household setting, we can use common household bleach as a disinfectant before cleaning the droppings,” she explained.

Previously, she also encouraged the public to implement Clean and Healthy Living Behaviour (PHBS) to prevent the spread of Hantavirus. “Wash your hands before and after activities. Additionally, if you are in places that are potentially contaminated or working in dirty environments where rats may be present, do not forget to wear masks and other protective equipment,” Ani added.

She further reminded the public not to panic regarding the virus. According to Ani, Hantavirus is not a newly discovered virus like the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the virus is monitored annually.