"Special attention is being given to passengers from South American countries, including Argentina and others in the region. Indonesia has already recorded their travel histories and countries of origin. So, even if they traveled via Singapore or other countries, the All Indonesia system can still read the data," the ministry's Acting Director General of Disease Control, Andi Saguni, said here on Wednesday.
He noted the disease can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). In Indonesia, the variant is identified as HFRS, derived from the Seoul strain.
Related news: Indonesia alerts quarantine offices over hantavirus threat
Transmission from rats to humans, unlike the Andes strain founded on the MV Hondius, has never been seen.
Nevertheless, the ministry continues to monitor the close contact case of a male foreign national with the initials KE (60), who resides in Central Jakarta, was in close contact with the victim on the MV Hondius cruise ship. His laboratory test results had shown negative for hantavirus.
"KE had a close contact with the second case (a 69-year-old woman who died) and was on the same flight from Saint Helena to Johannesburg. KE was asymptomatic, but had comorbidities, such as uncontrolled hypertension and a history of vaping (e-cigarettes). However, based on laboratory results, the patient tested negative for hantavirus," Saguni informed.
Related news: Soetta Airport monitors travelers from four countries over hantavirus
He then explained that the incubation period for HPS is approximately 45 days. Therefore, the Ministry of Health will continue to conduct intensive monitoring during this period while closely monitoring the situation.
Currently, KE is being quarantined at the Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital.
Saguni underlined that this case differs from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Health Ministry hoping it will not develop into a pandemic and stay confined to the MV Hondius cluster.
"After completing the 30-day monitoring period during self-isolation and ensuring all passengers have undergone health checks, the situation can be declared safe, allowing the intensity of monitoring to be gradually reduced," he stated.
Related news: Indonesia reports no human hantavirus spread since 1991
Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
