Hyderabad doctor urges Centre to act on Andes hantavirus threat

A Hyderabad-based pulmonologist has urged the Centre to take proactive measures following the Andes hantavirus outbreak aboard MV Hondius, warning that long Covid patients may face a higher risk of severe illness and calling for traveller monitoring, rodent control and public awareness

Hyderabad: The recent outbreak of Andes hantavirus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has resulted in multiple fatalities, warrants immediate national awareness and proactive intervention, senior pulmonologist from Hyderabad Dr Vyakaranam Nageswar said on Friday.

In a formal advisory addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Dr Nageswar highlighted that while hantaviruses typically spread through rodent excreta, the Andes strain is unique for its documented capability of limited human-to-human transmission through close, prolonged contact.

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“Based on published medical literature, an estimated 10 crore Indians or more are suffering from long Covid. These individuals experience persistent symptoms of immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, allergies and clotting abnormalities, and this vulnerable population deserves targeted protection,” he said.

Dr Vyakaranam pointed out that long Covid patients are likely to face a significantly higher risk of severe disease and higher mortality if infected, as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome already carries 30 to 40 percent mortality in healthy individuals.

“The long Covid patients will again, to an extent, further transmit the infection to other citizens. It might become like the Covid-19 situation, but definitely deserves immediate awareness and proactive steps to handle such an illness,” he said.

The senior immunity specialist pointed out that it is of absolute importance for the next 30 days to monitor those returning to India after spending their vacation abroad.

Recommendations:

Launch a nationwide rodent control and awareness campaign.

Issue specific guidelines for long Covid patients.

Such individuals must avoid exposure to rodent droppings.

Use masks while cleaning dusty areas and prefer wet cleaning over sweeping.

Integrate long Covid clinics with education on zoonotic disease risks.

Ensure ICU preparedness and training for early recognition and aggressive supportive care of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases.

Closely monitor individuals returning from the MV Hondius cruise ship and their close contacts.