Health Ministry says risk of hantavirus infection in Nepal is low

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population has said that the risk of hantavirus infection in Nepal is very low.

Ministry spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari said that the rodent species carrying the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is responsible for human infection, is not found in Nepal. He added that no confirmed cases of hantavirus infection have been reported in the country so far.

Hantavirus is a rare viral disease that is mainly transmitted to humans through contact with urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. However, human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and usually occurs only in very close contact, according to scientific studies.

The ministry has urged the public not to panic or believe in rumors and to rely only on official information released by authorized bodies.

It has also advised precautionary measures, including keeping homes and surroundings clean, sealing possible entry points for rodents, using masks and gloves while cleaning rodent droppings, maintaining regular handwashing with soap and water, and seeking medical attention at nearby health facilities if symptoms such as fever or breathing difficulties appear.