Hantavirus Case Detected in Jakarta, Recognise Early Symptoms

Jakarta — Public health practitioner Ngabila Salama urged residents of Jakarta to recognise the early symptoms of hantavirus after three confirmed cases and six suspected cases were being monitored in the capital. Early hantavirus symptoms typically include high fever, headache and severe muscle pains. ‘If you have a high fever, headache and severe muscle aches, seek medical attention promptly,’ Ngabila told Kompas.com in a short message on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. She cautioned residents not to delay examinations until more serious conditions such as shortness of breath, kidney failure, or loss of consciousness develop. ‘Don’t wait for shortness of breath (pneumonia), having little urination (kidney failure), or even seizures or loss of consciousness — because it may already be too late.’ She noted that groups with weakened immune systems, such as infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with comorbidities, should be especially vigilant for severe hantavirus symptoms. In addition to recognising symptoms, she reminded the public of the importance of environmental hygiene to prevent hantavirus transmission, which typically comes from rats. She advised people to wash hands regularly, wear a mask when cleaning the home, eradicate rats, and ensure good ventilation and air circulation. ‘Prevent illness by washing hands, wearing a mask, cleaning the house, eradicating rats, and maintaining good ventilation and air flow,’ she said. Ani said the DKI Jakarta Health Office has sent precautionary letters to all health facilities in Jakarta and has designated several RSUDs as sentinel hospitals to monitor the possible emergence of new cases. Hantavirus typically spreads via rats, especially through their faeces, saliva or urine, which when dried can mix with air and be inhaled by humans.