HEALTH
Hantavirus fears? Experts say no threat in India yet
Hantavirus is not currently a public health threat in India, the director of the National Institute of Virology was quoted as saying by Moneycontrol.
The health ministry has begun precautionary surveillance efforts around Hantavirus, Outlook reports. India is not yet among the countries that WHO has issued warning to.
The statement comes after 2 Indians on board the Atlantic ship where the outbreak occurred tested positive for the virus.
What's in it for you?
- •DO NOT PANIC OR CREATE PANIC: Health experts say there is no evidence of community spread of Hantavirus in India right now. A doctor was quoted by Firstpost as saying - "The Andes strain, which is causing the current outbreak, has never been reported or detected in India."
- •KNOW THE FACTS Hantavirus rarely spreads between humans. It is not as contagious as Covid-19. It mainly spreads through contact with infected rodents and their urine, saliva, or droppings.
- •MAINTAIN HYGIENE Health experts advise keeping surroundings clean to avoid exposure to rodents.
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