KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Food Safety has stated that the risk of Hantavirus infection in Nepal is extremely low.

Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, the joint spokesperson for the ministry, explained that the risk is minimal because the specific rodents that carry the ‘Andes virus’—a strain within the Hantavirus group—are not found in Nepal.

According to Dr. Adhikari, there has not been a single confirmed case of Hantavirus infection in Nepal yet.

He noted that this is a rare type of virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through the urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents. However, scientific studies indicate that human-to-human transmission is highly limited and generally occurs only through extremely close contact.

The ministry has requested everyone not to follow rumors or create unnecessary panic.

It has also urged the public to rely only on information issued by the ministry and other official bodies.

At the same time, the ministry has advised citizens to take standard precautionary measures against potential infections. It has recommended keeping houses and surrounding environments clean, sealing potential entry points for rodents, wearing masks and gloves when cleaning up rodent waste, and practicing regular handwashing with soap and water.

Furthermore, the ministry has urged anyone experiencing a fever, respiratory difficulties, or other unusual symptoms to immediately contact their nearest health facility.