Malaysia steps up hantavirus monitoring and preparedness after MV Hondius cluster

MOH says no hantavirus cases have been reported in Malaysia so far, but monitoring, ship sanitation inspections, and preparedness measures are being strengthened following the MV Hondius cluster.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia is stepping up the country’s hantavirus risk monitoring and preparedness measures following international reports involving the cruise ship MV Hondius.

According to the ministry, the suspected hantavirus cluster linked to the international cruise ship is currently receiving attention from the World Health Organization (WHO), with eight suspected cases and three reported deaths.

Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus commonly spread through exposure to the urine, faeces, or saliva of infected rats, mainly through contaminated airborne particles. Most infections occur sporadically and are associated with environments affected by rat infestations.

MOH noted that human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and has only been linked to certain strains, such as the Andes virus (ANDV) found in South America.

The ministry stressed that no hantavirus cases have been reported in Malaysia to date and the current risk to the public remains low. However, it said, preparedness and monitoring efforts are being continuously strengthened in line with developments in the global situation through the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) mechanism and the WHO international health alert network.

MOH said it is implementing several measures, including:

1. Continuous monitoring of the international situation through WHO, the IHR National Focal Point, and global health alert networks.
2. Inspection and monitoring of ship sanitation, as well as detection of rat infestations at international ports through control measures under IHR 2005.
3. Strengthening monitoring at all international entry points.
4. Enhancing healthcare facility preparedness for early detection, notification, and management of suspected cases.
5. Strengthening laboratory capacity to conduct confirmation tests for new strains, including the ANDV.
6. Increasing infectious disease surveillance activities and Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) efforts to quickly detect unusual developments.
7. Expanding cross-agency collaboration involving the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), the Department of Veterinary Services, and local authorities on vector control and environmental hygiene.

Between 1 January and 2 May 2026, a total of 22,367 ships and boats were inspected at international ports nationwide. During the same period, 2,421 certificates of practice and 1,146 Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSC) were issued to ensure ships entering the country comply with public health, sanitation, and infestation control requirements under IHR 2005.

MOH also advised the public to avoid direct contact with rats, rat droppings, or urine, and to use gloves and face masks when cleaning areas contaminated with rat droppings.

The ministry also cautioned against sweeping or vacuuming rat droppings directly, as this can cause contaminated particles to spread into the air.

Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, cough, or shortness of breath after exposure to a risky environment are advised to seek immediate treatment.

As the global situation continues to evolve, MOH said it will continue monitoring the situation and will provide further updates from time to time.

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Infographics / Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia Facebook