Ministry of Health Records 23 Hantavirus Cases in Indonesia
The outbreak of Andean Hantavirus on board the MV Hondius has raised global alarm, resulting in three deaths and multiple illnesses. However, cases of different hantavirus strains have also been identified in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health reported 23 confirmed hantavirus cases from 2024 to 2026, with three fatalities and a case fatality rate of 13 percent.
“The confirmed cases involve the Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) strain of the Seoul Virus,” stated Aji Muhawarman, head of the Ministry’s Communications and Public Services Bureau, in an official statement on Monday (11/5/2026).
Cases were recorded across various Indonesian regions, with the Special Capital Region of Jakarta and the Special Region of Yogyakarta each reporting six cases—the highest numbers. West Java had five cases, while Banten, West Sumatra, West Kalimantan, East Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and North Sulawesi each reported one case. Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease transmitted from rats or mice to humans.
The Ministry of Health identified several risk factors for hantavirus transmission. High-risk occupations include those involving rodent contact, such as janitors, farmers, construction workers, pest controllers, sewer cleaners, and laboratory workers handling reservoirs.
Additionally, activities in high-risk areas like old warehouses, neglected spaces, and basements increase exposure potential. Regions with high rodent populations and heavy rainfall also contribute to disease spread.
“Further risk factors include contact with infection sources during recreational and tourist activities, such as hiking and camping,” the Ministry stated.
For prevention, the public is advised to adhere to health protocols, including regular handwashing with soap or sanitiser and practising proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Individuals should avoid direct contact with rodents or their excretions and secretions, maintain cleanliness in living and working areas, and store food and drinks in sealed containers to prevent rodent contamination.
Residents are also urged to seal all holes inside and outside homes to block rodent entry. The Ministry of Health recommends immediate consultation at healthcare facilities for symptoms of hantavirus, such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, and shortness of breath.
Experts note that environmental degradation from climate change and human activities facilitates hantavirus spread by enabling rodents to breed in new areas.