Hantavirus Indonesia: Ministry of Health Confirms Two Suspected Cases Tested Negative
The Indonesian Ministry of Health has confirmed that two recently detected suspected cases of hantavirus in Indonesia tested negative and have recovered.
The statement was delivered by Aji Muhawarman, Head of the Communications and Public Information Bureau at the Ministry of Health, following growing public attention surrounding hantavirus cases linked to an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius near Cape Verde, Africa.
“The two suspects, as of today, have tested negative and recovered,” Aji told CNNIndonesia.
The ministry did not disclose the location of the two suspected cases. However, officials stressed that hantavirus is not a newly discovered disease in Indonesia.
According to Ministry of Health data, Indonesia recorded 23 confirmed hantavirus cases between 2024 and the 16th week of 2026. Three of the confirmed cases were fatal.
The cases were reported across nine provinces. Jakarta and the Special Region of Yogyakarta recorded the highest number, with six cases each. West Java followed with five cases.
Single cases were also reported in West Sumatra, Banten, West Kalimantan, East Java, East Nusa Tenggara, and North Sulawesi.
The ministry stated that all confirmed infections involved the Seoul strain of hantavirus.
By year, Indonesia recorded one confirmed case in 2024, 17 cases in 2025, and five additional cases by mid-2026.
What Is Hantavirus and How Does It Spread?
According to the World Health Organization, hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses naturally carried by rodents such as rats and mice. Humans can become infected through exposure to contaminated urine, saliva, or droppings.
Infection can lead to severe respiratory illness or kidney disorders, depending on the strain.
The Ministry of Health reported that Indonesia has monitored hantavirus cases for decades. A scientific review published in the journal Viruses in 2019 noted that hantavirus research in Indonesia dates back to 1984.
Professor Dominicus Husada, a tropical infection expert from the Indonesian Pediatrician Association and the Faculty of Medicine at Airlangga University, said the hantavirus strains detected in Indonesia differ from the Andes virus reported in South America.
“This Andes virus doesn’t exist in Indonesia. We’ve never found it here,” Dominicus said during an Indonesian Pediatrician Association media briefing on Friday, May 8, 2026.
He explained that hantavirus transmission in Indonesia has so far occurred through rodents and not between humans.
“Transmission is usually through viral particles in rat urine, faeces, or saliva,” he said.
Dominicus also stressed that hantavirus is not a new disease in Indonesia.
“So, once again, this is nothing new. Cases have been recorded in several places,” he added.
The expert said the risk of widespread transmission remains relatively low because the strains identified in Indonesia do not have the same human-to-human transmission characteristics associated with the Andes virus.
How is it Started: Cruise Ship Outbreak Raises International Attention
Public concern increased after hantavirus cases were reported aboard the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions.
The vessel departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, carrying 147 people, including passengers and crew members from 23 countries. The voyage included stops in Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, and Saint Helena.
The Chronology of the Hantavirus Outbreak in a Cruise Ship
According to reports, several passengers developed fever and respiratory symptoms during the journey. The situation escalated after confirmed hantavirus infections were identified among passengers.
One confirmed case involved an adult woman who died in Johannesburg, South Africa, after being evacuated from the ship. Another infected passenger remains in intensive care.
Health authorities also monitored additional suspected cases among passengers and crew members showing respiratory symptoms.
The World Health Organization stated that hantavirus symptoms often begin with fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems. In severe cases, the disease can develop into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).
HPS affects the lungs and may lead to respiratory failure, while HFRS affects the kidneys and blood vessels.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus. Medical treatment focuses on supportive care, including oxygen therapy, fluid management, ventilator support, and kidney treatment when necessary.
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Hantavirus in Indonesia: Prevention Measures and Government Monitoring
The Indonesian government continues to monitor hantavirus cases through the Early Alert and Response System (SKDR).
Authorities are also monitoring travellers arriving from affected countries and promoting Clean and Healthy Living Behaviours (PHBS) to reduce infection risks.
Experts said prevention remains the most effective measure against hantavirus infection. The public is advised to maintain clean environments, reduce rodent populations, store food securely, and avoid direct contact with rats or mice.
Rooms that have been closed for long periods should be ventilated before use, especially if there are signs of rodent activity.
When cleaning areas contaminated by rat droppings or urine, people are encouraged to use masks, gloves, and disinfectant products to reduce the risk of inhaling contaminated particles.
Despite the recent international cases, health experts in Indonesia said the current risk of a large-scale outbreak remains limited due to the transmission pattern of the virus.
People Also Ask About Hantavirus in Indonesia
How many hantavirus cases have been recorded in Indonesia?
The Ministry of Health recorded 23 confirmed hantavirus cases in Indonesia from 2024 to mid-2026.
Can hantavirus spread between humans in Indonesia?
According to experts, the hantavirus strains found in Indonesia have not shown human-to-human transmission.
What are the symptoms of hantavirus?
Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, respiratory problems, and kidney complications in severe cases.
How can people prevent hantavirus infection?
People can reduce risk by keeping homes clean, controlling rodent populations, ventilating closed rooms, and avoiding contact with rat urine or droppings.
