Public health forum calls for preparedness amid rising hantavirus concerns

Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV), affiliated to Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, submitted a representation to Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda on Monday (May 11, 2026) urging the Central government to take immediate precautionary measures in view of international concerns relating to hantavirus infection and severe respiratory complications such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

In the first week of May, hantavirus outbreak was reported on an expedition cruise ship, where three people died and at least five others were infected.

In the representation, PAV expressed concern over reports and alerts issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the HPS, which has reportedly shown mortality rates of around 30% to 40% in severe cases.

The PAV stated that although the present situation does not warrant panic, India must not ignore the painful lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic, when shortages of hospital beds, oxygen, ventilators, medicines, and healthcare personnel caused immense suffering and led to the loss of lakhs of lives across the country.

The organisation urged the Union government to proactively strengthen public healthcare preparedness before any public health emergency arises. PAV demanded strengthening of disease surveillance systems and timely scientific advisories and treatment guidelines from Indian Council of Medical Research.

The organisation further stressed the need for public awareness programmes involving civil society organisations and health movements, along with strengthening airport and international traveller health surveillance systems.