KUCHING: Malaysians should remain alert but not alarmed over the global attention surrounding recent hantavirus cases, particularly those linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, according to a public health expert.
Professor Dr Helmy Hazmi, a public health medicine specialist from the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, said while Malaysia remains connected to major international travel routes and rodents capable of carrying hantaviruses are present in the environment, there is currently no immediate cause for concern locally.
“The strain linked to the cruise ship, the Andes virus, is notable because limited human-to-human transmission has been documented, particularly after close and prolonged contact.
“However, there are currently no reports involving Malaysians from the ship, which lowers the immediate concern locally,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He stressed that hantavirus is not a new disease and has long been recognised and studied globally, unlike the early emergence of COVID-19.
More importantly, he said the incident serves as a reminder that rodents remain important carriers of various diseases, making environmental cleanliness, proper waste management and rodent control critical public health measures.
Explaining further, Dr Helmy said hantaviruses found in Malaysia are generally ‘Old World’ strains, commonly associated with bleeding tendencies and kidney complications, and are mainly found across Eurasia and Africa.
In contrast, the Andes virus linked to the cruise ship is a ‘New World’ strain predominantly found in the Americas and is more associated with severe lung involvement and respiratory failure.
Despite the differences, he noted that both forms usually begin with non-specific symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, chills, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain lasting between three and five days.
“These early symptoms can resemble influenza or other viral illnesses, which is why informing healthcare providers about travel history and occupational exposure is very important for early recognition,” he said.
He advised the public to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, particularly if they experience breathing difficulties, reduced urine output, bleeding symptoms, or have a history of rodent exposure, high-risk occupational activities or recent travel to affected areas.
On prevention, Dr Helmy emphasised that environmental cleanliness and rodent control remain the most effective measures against potential outbreaks.
“Communities need to understand that we should reduce conditions that attract rodents, such as exposed food waste, cluttered storage areas, and poorly managed rubbish disposal,” he said.
He added that local councils also play a major role in ensuring proper waste collection, sanitation and pest-control measures, especially in markets, eateries and densely populated areas.
Education, he said, is equally important in cultivating a culture of shared responsibility for cleanliness among the younger generation.
“Our recycling activities also need to be modernised. Reduced waste means fewer food sources for pests,” he added.
Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that no Malaysians were on board the international cruise ship recently linked to the reported hantavirus outbreak.
He said communication with Singaporean health authorities revealed that two Singaporean crew members from the vessel had tested negative for the virus.
International media earlier reported that several European countries had stepped up monitoring and isolation measures following the outbreak linked to MV Hondius.
