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Patient Information Blog  |  May 2026

Hantavirus Infection:

What Every Pakistani Should Know

By Dr G. Sarwar Chaudhry  |  Interventional Pulmonologist & Sleep Physician

Australian Polyclinic, DHA Phase 5, Lahore

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents — primarily rats and mice. The virus does not make the rodent sick, but when it is passed on to humans it can cause serious, life-threatening illness. It has been known to science since 1993 and is found on every continent except Antarctica.

The good news: Hantavirus does NOT spread through the air like COVID-19, and it does NOT spread easily from person to person. You cannot catch it from a cough or sneeze. The main route of infection is contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

How Do People Get Infected?

You can become infected in the following ways:

• Breathing in dust contaminated with dried rodent urine or droppings (the most common route)
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Being bitten by an infected rodent
• In South America only — the Andes virus strain can spread from person to person through very close contact with an infected individual

Common high-risk situations include: sweeping or vacuuming without a mask in areas with rodent droppings, entering poorly ventilated storage rooms, warehouses, or cellars, and sleeping in rodent-infested environments.

Two Forms of the Disease — Which Affects Us in Pakistan?

Hantavirus causes two different diseases depending on where in the world you are:

In Pakistan and the broader Asian region, the kidney-affecting form (HFRS) is the relevant concern. Fever with sudden kidney failure should prompt your doctor to consider Hantavirus — especially if there has been rodent exposure.

Symptoms — What to Watch For

Symptoms appear 4 to 42 days after exposure. This long and variable incubation period is one reason the virus is challenging to manage.

Should Pakistanis Be Worried? The Local Risk

While no confirmed Hantavirus outbreak has been officially reported within Pakistan to date, our country has significant risk factors that health experts have publicly warned about:

• Rodent problem in major cities: Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar all face serious rat and mouse infestations in markets, warehouses, food storage areas, and residential neighbourhoods.
• Peshawar High Court involvement: In 2026, the Peshawar High Court took up a public interest petition on rat bites and rodent-borne disease risks, directing the government to submit a detailed report.
• Diagnostic gap: Hantavirus is rarely screened for in Pakistani hospitals. Cases of ‘fever with kidney failure’ could easily be misdiagnosed as something else.
• Travel exposure: Returning travellers from South America or countries affected by the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak should self-monitor for symptoms for up to 6 weeks (42 days).
• Poor sanitation infrastructure: Open drains, uncollected garbage, and broken sewerage lines create ideal conditions for rodent population growth.

The WHO currently assesses the global public risk from Hantavirus as LOW — this is not another COVID-19. However, our local rodent problem means we cannot afford to be complacent.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

In and Around Your Home

• Seal all gaps, cracks, and holes in walls, floors, and roofs where rodents can enter
• Store food — including animal feed — in sealed metal or thick plastic containers
• Dispose of household garbage in closed bins and ensure regular collection
• Keep your kitchen clean; do not leave food scraps overnight
• If you see signs of rodents (droppings, gnaw marks, nests), act immediately with traps or professional pest control

When Cleaning Rodent-Infested Areas

• NEVER dry sweep or vacuum droppings — this releases virus particles into the air
• Always wear rubber gloves and an N95 mask before entering or cleaning such areas
• First wet the area thoroughly with a disinfectant (e.g. bleach solution: 1 part bleach to 9 parts water)
• Ventilate the space for at least 30 minutes before entering
• Bag and dispose of contaminated materials carefully; wash hands thoroughly after

For Those Returning from Travel

• If you have recently visited South America or were on the MV Hondius cruise ship, monitor yourself for 42 days
• Report any fever, muscle aches, or breathing difficulty to your doctor immediately and mention your travel history

Treatment — What Can Be Done?

There is currently no specific licensed antiviral medication or vaccine for Hantavirus anywhere in the world. However, early supportive treatment in an ICU can be life-saving. Treatment focuses on:

• Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation if breathing is affected
• IV fluids to support blood pressure and kidney function
• Dialysis in severe cases of kidney failure
• Close clinical monitoring for cardiovascular and renal complications

The key message is this: the earlier you reach hospital, the better your chances. Do not wait and see if the fever passes on its own if you have had rodent exposure.

Quick Facts at a Glance

When to See a Doctor

Visit a doctor or hospital urgently if you have:

• Fever lasting more than 2 to 3 days — especially with muscle aches and fatigue
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness developing after a fever
• Reduced urine output or swelling (possible kidney involvement)
• Any of the above symptoms AND a history of rodent contact in the previous 6 weeks
• Recently returned from South America with flu-like symptoms

When you visit, tell your doctor about any possible rodent exposure. In Pakistan, Hantavirus is rarely tested for — your history is what will prompt the right investigation.

Dr G Sarwar Chaudhry

Medical Disclaimer

This blog is intended for general patient education and public health awareness only. It does not constitute personalised medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. Information is based on WHO guidance and current literature as of May 2026.

Sources: World Health Organization (WHO), ProPakistani, Peshawar High Court proceedings, Khyber Medical University, Memon Medical Institute.