IPB University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Lecturer Thoroughly Examines the Zoonotic Risk of Hantavirus Disease
The outbreak of news about hantavirus in Indonesia has again attracted public attention. In response, a lecturer and microbiology researcher at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB) IPB University, Dr drh Ni Luh Putu Ika Mayasari, provided an explanation of the risk of transmission and the importance of environmental hygiene in preventing the spread of hantavirus infection, which is a zoonotic disease.
She said the disease is relatively new to be reported in Indonesia. “Reports of hantavirus cases in Indonesia only appeared around 2020. However, this virus has long been found in other countries, one of which is South Korea, where the virus was first identified and named Hantaan,” she explained.
Based on the data obtained, there were eight cases of hantavirus in Indonesia during the period June 15-21, 2025, spread across West Java, Yogyakarta, East Nusa Tenggara, and North Sulawesi. “Although it is still small, this should be a common concern, especially in understanding the transmission route,” said Dr Ika.
Regarding the transmission mechanism, Dr Ika explained that hantavirus transmission from rats to humans generally occurs indirectly. “Transmission can be through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats that contaminate the surface of living areas or food in the house. Direct contact such as a bite is very rare,” she explains.
She added that people can unknowingly touch a contaminated area and then touch their face, so the virus can enter through the respiratory tract. Viruses can also be inhaled when we are in a contaminated environment.
Therefore, she said that people should be more aware of the presence of rats around the house. The most important preventive measure is to identify and close the entry points of rats into the house, for example through holes in drains or leaking roofs.
“Rats can urinate or defecate anywhere, and that can be dangerous if it contaminates areas of the house, tableware or food,” she said.
She also advised people to keep their homes clean and keep food and utensils tightly covered to prevent exposure. “If you know your house has many rats, the community must carry out active control. Clean the area suspected of being a place for rats to defecate by using protective equipment such as gloves and masks,” she explained.
Dr Ika reminded everyone to start a clean and healthy lifestyle. “Maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is the key to preventing various diseases, including those transmitted from animals. So, do not neglect the cleanliness of the house, especially if you have seen signs of the presence of rats,” she concluded. (dr) (IAAS/ASY)
