Yogyakarta Health Department Continues to Heighten Vigilance to Prevent Hantavirus Transmission

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Yogyakarta Special Region Health Department (Dinkes DIY) continues to enhance early vigilance in anticipating or preventing the risk of hantavirus transmission, even though no confirmed positive cases of the zoonotic disease have been reported in the province to date. “In 2026, up to now, there have been no reports of positive hantavirus cases from routine sentinel surveillance results in the laboratory. However, we are still increasing vigilance and active monitoring together with district and city health offices,” said the Head of Dinkes DIY, Gregorius Anung Trihadi, in Yogyakarta on Sunday. Anung added that hantavirus is a disease transmitted through rodents, particularly rats. Although it has a similar transmission route to leptospirosis, the two are caused by different disease agents. “Transmission can occur through direct contact with urine, saliva, or faeces of infected rats. In addition, the public should also be wary of droplets from rat faeces that are inhaled or exposure to contaminated water and soil,” he explained. To reduce the risk of transmission, Dinkes DIY also urges the public to remain calm and continue to heighten vigilance through the implementation of Clean and Healthy Living Habits (PHBS). Simple steps, such as keeping the home clean to prevent it from becoming a rat breeding ground, covering food and water sources, washing hands with soap after activities, and wearing footwear in damp areas, are very important in disease prevention. “As a precautionary measure, Dinkes DIY, together with districts and cities, continues to strengthen active surveillance through case tracking, monitoring of areas around patients’ residences, and routine sentinel surveillance for early warning,” said Anung. “The public does not need to panic, but must remain vigilant. If experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, shortness of breath, or other complaints after exposure to a risky environment, immediately seek examination at a health facility. Early detection is key to enabling faster and more optimal treatment,” he stated. Based on Dinkes DIY data, six positive hantavirus cases in 2025 were recorded: three cases in Sleman, two cases in Bantul, and one case in Yogyakarta City. All patients were declared recovered with no cases of death or further transmission.