India Hantavirus Network Strengthens Viral Surveillance
India Hantavirus Network has become a major step in improving the country’s viral disease monitoring system. India has activated a nationwide Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network with 165 specialised laboratories to detect and track hantavirus infections across the country.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!India Hantavirus Network Expands Surveillance
The nationwide laboratory system uses RT-PCR technology to confirm suspected hantavirus cases. The network works closely with the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology for advanced diagnostic support and research activities.
The Union Health Ministry is also coordinating surveillance with the World Health Organization, the National Centre for Disease Control, and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme to strengthen disease monitoring.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are RNA viruses that belong to the Hantaviridae family. These are zoonotic viruses, meaning they spread from animals to humans. Rodents are considered the main carriers of many hantavirus species.
Humans can become infected through contact with rodent urine, saliva, droppings, or contaminated dust particles. In some outbreak situations, close human contact may also spread certain strains.
Andes Strain Raises Global Attention
The hantavirus connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship incident was identified as the Andes strain. This strain is important because it has shown limited human-to-human transmission through prolonged close contact.
Several hantavirus strains found in Asia and Europe are linked with haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, a disease that mainly affects the kidneys and can cause serious health complications.
India Strengthens Public Health Monitoring
India’s surveillance system now includes 165 specialised laboratories with RT-PCR testing capability for quick viral confirmation. The National Centre for Disease Control and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme are playing a key role in tracking suspected cases and sharing health updates.
According to the World Health Organization, the current public health risk from the hantavirus outbreak remains low. However, health authorities are continuing precautionary monitoring to prevent any possible spread.
The MV Hondius cruise ship reported multiple hantavirus cases and three deaths. Two Indian nationals on the ship were reported asymptomatic and remained under medical observation on 9 May 2026.
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of the National Institute of Virology under the Indian Council of Medical Research, is also involved in strengthening India’s viral diagnostic preparedness.
