Jakarta, ThedailyID — Growing concern surrounding hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius has renewed public attention on countries across Asia that have previously reported hantavirus infections or outbreaks.
Although the World Health Organization states the virus currently poses a low global risk and is unlikely to become a COVID-19-style pandemic, hantavirus has existed in multiple Asian countries for decades, mainly through transmission from infected rodents.
Here are several countries in Asia that have reported hantavirus cases or outbreaks:
Indonesia
Indonesia has recorded hantavirus infections in multiple provinces over recent years.
According to the Indonesian Health Ministry, from 2024 until week 16 of 2026, authorities recorded 251 suspected cases, including 23 confirmed infections spread across nine provinces such as Jakarta, West Java, DI Yogyakarta, East Java, and Banten.
Most Indonesian cases are linked to the Seoul virus strain, which can cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Health officials said the virus has likely circulated domestically for decades through rodent populations.
China
China has historically reported one of the world’s highest numbers of hantavirus cases.
The country regularly monitors outbreaks of HFRS, particularly in northern and central regions. Chinese health authorities have maintained long-term surveillance programs because hantavirus infections have been documented there for decades.
South Korea
South Korea has also experienced hantavirus outbreaks, especially involving HFRS cases associated with field rodents.
The disease gained international attention during the Korean War in the 1950s, when thousands of UN soldiers became infected with what was later identified as hantavirus-related illness.
North Korea
North Korea has reported hantavirus activity as well, though public data remains limited. Cases linked to rodent exposure have periodically been documented through regional health monitoring.
Russia
Parts of eastern Russia within Asia have reported hantavirus outbreaks, particularly in forested regions where humans frequently come into contact with infected rodents.
Russia has historically recorded some of the highest HFRS numbers in Europe and northern Asia combined.
India
India has reported sporadic hantavirus cases and studies showing evidence of rodent-borne hantavirus circulation.
While large outbreaks remain uncommon, health researchers have identified antibodies and infections in certain regions over the years.
Thailand
Thailand has detected hantavirus strains in rodents and recorded isolated human infections through scientific surveillance studies.
Vietnam
Vietnam has also documented hantavirus exposure among rodents and limited human cases, particularly in rural areas.
Singapore
Singapore recently increased monitoring after passengers linked to the MV Hondius outbreak returned to the country. Authorities isolated and tested individuals connected to the cruise ship as a precautionary measure.
Japan
Japan previously recorded hantavirus outbreaks decades ago and continues maintaining surveillance systems for rodent-borne diseases.
Health experts stress that hantavirus spreads very differently from highly contagious respiratory viruses such as COVID-19. Most infections occur through contact with contaminated rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
The WHO says human-to-human transmission remains extremely rare and has only been observed in limited cases involving specific strains such as Andes hantavirus in South America.
