Does hantavirus spread like COVID?

Two Indian nationals may be infected aboard the MV Hondius. This sparked concern. The ICMR's National Institute of Virology says the cases appear isolated.

There's no immediate public health threat. But one big question remains. Concerns keep growing.

Reports said two Indians were among a group under watch. Health authorities are monitoring them. Many people are now asking if India has any real risk.

Naveen Kumar is the NIV director. He said these look like isolated cases. No evidence points to community spread.

He talked to PTI about how the virus works. Hantaviruses mainly spread from rodents. You catch it through infected rodent saliva, urine, or droppings.

So how does it usually jump to humans? You inhale virus particles. These particles come from rodent urine, or droppings.

This often happens in poorly ventilated spaces. Think warehouses, barns, ships, and storage rooms. "There’s no immediate public health threat to India," Dr.

Kumar said. His words came after news reports. They claimed two Indian crewmembers had hantavirus.

The World Health Organization confirmed it. The two passengers were part of a small infection cluster on the ship. Health workers are now watching close contacts.

Precaution steps are in place. WHO added that hantavirus infections are rare. They typically come from rodent contact, not person-to-person spread.

Transmission stays low. So no — this is not like COVID-19.