Jakarta, ThedailyID — A 49-year-old patient died at Rumah Sakit Hasan Sadikin (RSHS) Bandung after contracting hantavirus and leptospirosis, prompting public concern over rodent-borne diseases in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Health Ministry later clarified that the case happened in 2025 and was not linked to the recent hantavirus concerns surrounding cruise ship MV Hondius.
Doctors at RSHS Bandung identified the patient as a construction worker from Cibeunying Kolot, Bandung. He reportedly underwent treatment for three days before his condition worsened and he died.
Internal medicine specialist Elisabeth Hutajulu said the patient initially experienced fluctuating fever around six days before hospitalization. He later developed severe upper right abdominal pain, while doctors also noticed yellowing skin and eyes before treatment intensified.
Health officials confirmed the patient suffered a dual infection involving hantavirus and leptospirosis.
The Health Ministry stressed that the Bandung case involved HFRS (Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome), not HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome) linked to the Andes virus previously discussed in the MV Hondius case.
Authorities issued the clarification after social media users speculated that the Bandung death could signal wider hantavirus transmission in Indonesia.
Hantavirus mainly spreads through exposure to urine, saliva, or droppings from infected rodents. Meanwhile, leptospirosis usually spreads through water or soil contaminated by animal urine.
Health experts urged the public to maintain environmental cleanliness and avoid direct exposure to rat-infested areas. Officials also advised people to seek medical treatment immediately if they experience high fever, breathing problems, muscle pain, or persistent fatigue.
Indonesia’s Health Ministry previously recorded 23 hantavirus cases nationwide between 2024 and 2026.
