KLANG: The Health Ministry has assured Malaysians that the risk of Hantavirus infection in Malaysia is currently low.
However, members of the public have been advised to be cautious and take necessary precautionary measures such as avoiding direct contact with rats as well as their droppings and urine.
People are also advised to use gloves and face masks when cleaning areas potentially contaminated with rat droppings as well as not sweeping or vacuuming rat droppings directly, as this can spread the contaminated particles in the air.
"Those who experience fever, body ache, cough or difficulty in breathing after exposure to risky surroundings must seek immediate medical treatment," the Health Ministry said in a statement on Friday (May 8).
It said that various measures are being initiated to ensure the nation is prepared to meet the threat of the infectious disease.
This included continuous monitoring of global updates through the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Points.
Other measures include sanitation inspections and rodent infestation tracking at international ports through the implementation of control measures under IHR 2005.
Monitoring at all international entry points will also be strengthened.
It added that laboratory and healthcare facilities for early detection, notification, and case management, in the event there is a suspected case, were also ready, among others.
The Health Ministry statement comes following a Hantavirus cluster detected aboard the international cruise ship MV Hondius, where there were eight suspected cases and three confirmed fatalities.
The statement also said the Health Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
