Central Java Mobilises 8 Hospitals and 883 Health Centres to Anticipate Hantavirus
The Central Java Provincial Government is preparing 8 hospitals and 883 community health centres (Puskesmas) to prevent and anticipate Hantavirus outbreaks. Although no cases have been detected in the region recently, the provincial government is implementing several anticipatory measures to face this zoonotic disease, which is transmitted from rodents, particularly rats, to humans.
The provincial government is also intensifying early screening and treatment by preparing various health facilities and infrastructure. “We have placed 8 hospitals and 883 Puskesmas on alert so that citizens can undergo early examinations if they exhibit symptoms of Hantavirus,” said the Head of the Central Java Health Office, Zulfachmi Wahab.
Among the hospitals on alert are RS dr Adhyatma MPH Semarang, RS Prof Dr Margono Purwokerto, and RS Dr Moewardi Surakarta. For educational purposes, the ‘Jumat Pintar’ (Smart Friday) programme has been established to strengthen the understanding of healthcare workers regarding Hantavirus.
Zulfachmi stated that while there are currently no Hantavirus cases, 50 cases were recorded between 2023 and 2025 at the Demak Regency Port. He admitted that while no vaccine currently exists, the disease can be managed effectively if symptoms are detected early. The faster symptoms are recognised, the quicker the treatment can be administered, thereby reducing mortality rates.
Although the spread of this disease is not as rapid as Covid-19, Zulfachmi urged citizens to remain vigilant. Transmission can occur through the saliva, urine, and excrement of infected rats, or even through direct contact with these mediums or by inhaling dried particles carried through the air.
He advised preventing the disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle, similar to measures taken during the Covid pandemic, and to seek immediate medical examination if early symptoms such as fever, chest pain, abdominal pain, urinary issues, or red spots on the conjunctiva appear. “In severe conditions, this disease can lead to haemorrhaging and kidney failure,” he added.