TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The recent hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has brought anxiety to communities worldwide, fearing a wider spread. Epidemiologist Dicky Budiman from Griffith University, Australia, explained the "core strategy" to prevent virus contamination from rodent droppings.
According to Dicky, rat pest control in residential environments, especially during the rainy and flooding seasons, is essential to prevent a wider hantavirus outbreak.
"So, rodent control is the core strategy: close off rat access to homes or warehouses, store food in closed containers, and clean damp environments," Dicky said in a voice message received by ANTARA on Wednesday.
Dicky explained that during rainy season and floods, the risk of contracting diseases from rat droppings also increases. In addition to the hantavirus, which has limited transmission, there is also the risk of leptospirosis from rat urine across surfaces.
Despite both originating from rat droppings, the difference between leptospirosis and hantavirus lies in the impact of transmission on human organs. Hantavirus attacks the lungs and causes rapid death, while leptospirosis attacks the kidneys and liver.
"So, for example, wear boots if there's a flood, and avoid contact with dirty water, especially if you have wounds. It's also important to note that anyone working on or cleaning warehouses or enclosed spaces should wear a mask and wash their hands regularly," he said.
Dicky also urged residents to avoid inhaling dust or aerosols while sweeping dry and dirty places. He recommended using a disinfectant before cleaning, and wearing a mask when dusting enclosed spaces.
Although rare, hantavirus transmission during floods and rain is still possible, so vigilance is key to preventing the disease.
Early detection is crucial, with the best prevention measures being rodent control, environmental cleanliness, and personal hygiene, especially during the rainy season or floods.
Read: Understanding Hantavirus: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
WHO: Global Hantavirus Risk from Cruise Ship Cases Is Low
1 jam lalu
WHO has assessed that the risk of hantavirus spread among passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean remains relatively low.
Hantavirus: American CDC Says Risk to Public 'Very Low'
1 jam lalu
CDC said it was closely monitoring American passengers aboard the MV Hondius amid the hantavirus outbreak.
Indonesia Ramps Up Hantavirus Screening Amid Cruise Ship Cases
1 jam lalu
Indonesia's Health Ministry said it has coordinated with the WHO to strengthen hantavirus screening following reported infections on a cruise ship.
How Customs Is Guarding Indonesia Against Hantavirus?
2 jam lalu
The Customs and Excise DG is coordinating with health and quarantine agencies to prevent the entry of Hantavirus into Indonesia via imported goods.
Spain Permits MV Hondius to Dock Amid Hantavirus Outbreak
4 jam lalu
The Hantavirus outbreak in MV Hondius left two dead and several crew members in critical condition.
How Can Hantavirus Be Deadly? Expert Explains
16 jam lalu
One strain, known as Andes virus, can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease.
Spain to Receive Hantavirus-hit Ship in Canary Islands
1 hari lalu
Three passengers abord the MV Hondius have died after a hantavirus outbreak onboard. The cruise ship has been stuck off the coast of Cape Verde.
Understanding Hantavirus: Symptoms, Causes, and Risks
2 hari lalu
Hantavirus has been making headlines, suspected as the cause of death for three people aboard an Atlantic cruise ship.
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Leaves 3 Dead, Several Ill
3 hari lalu
A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has left three people dead and several others seriously ill.
