Growing international reports about hantavirus infections have triggered concern among many Indians, with questions emerging about whether the virus can spread like COVID-19.

Medical experts, however, say there is no reason for panic.

According to doctors in Bengaluru, hantavirus behaves very differently from highly contagious respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. The infection is primarily linked to rodents and is not commonly transmitted between humans.

How hantavirus spreads

Doctors explain that hantavirus infection usually occurs when people inhale tiny airborne particles contaminated by rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.

The virus is commonly associated with:

  • Rodent-infested homes or storage areas
  • Farms and rural environments
  • Forested or poorly ventilated spaces
  • Cleaning dusty locations contaminated by rodents

Direct contact with infected rodents can also increase the risk.

Can it spread from person to person?

Health experts say this is the most important point for the public to understand.

Most hantavirus strains do not spread from one person to another. Unlike COVID-19, the virus is not known for rapid airborne human transmission.

However, doctors note that a few rare strains identified mainly in South America have shown limited human-to-human spread. Even in those cases, transmission has remained uncommon and localised.

A Bengaluru-based physician explained that the current risk of widespread community transmission in India is extremely low.

Symptoms people should watch for

Early symptoms may resemble flu-like illness and include:

  • Fever
  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Nausea

In severe cases, patients can develop breathing difficulty and lung complications.

Doctors advise immediate medical attention if symptoms appear after possible rodent exposure.

Why experts are not comparing it to COVID-19

Medical professionals stress that hantavirus lacks the high transmissibility that allowed COVID-19 to spread globally.

Key differences include:

  • Hantavirus mainly spreads through rodent exposure
  • Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare
  • Outbreaks are usually localised
  • Cases remain relatively uncommon worldwide

Experts say public awareness and hygiene precautions are enough for most people.

Precautions Indians should follow

Doctors recommend simple preventive measures:

  • Keep homes and workplaces clean
  • Prevent rodent infestations
  • Wear masks and gloves while cleaning dusty areas
  • Avoid contact with rodent waste
  • Store food safely and maintain sanitation

Health experts also urge people not to spread misinformation or panic over isolated international cases.