India Activates 165-Lab Hantavirus Surveillance Network

India has activated a nationwide Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network with 165 specialised laboratories for hantavirus surveillance. The network uses RT-PCR technology for confirmation of suspected cases and works with the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology for diagnostic support.

Hantavirus and its classification

Hantaviruses are RNA viruses in the family Hantaviridae. They are zoonotic viruses, and rodents are the main reservoirs for many hantavirus species. Human infection can occur through contact with rodent excreta, contaminated dust, or close contact in specific outbreak settings.

Andes strain and transmission pattern

The hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius incident is the Andes strain. This strain has documented limited human-to-human transmission through prolonged close contact. Several hantaviruses in Asia and Europe are associated with haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which affects the kidneys.

India’s surveillance and diagnostic system

The Union Health Ministry has coordinated precautionary surveillance with the World Health Organization, the National Centre for Disease Control, and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme. The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory Network provides laboratory coverage across India for detection of viral infections, including suspected hantavirus cases.

Important Facts for Exams

• The World Health Organization has assessed the overall public health risk of the current hantavirus outbreak as low.
• The MV Hondius cruise ship reported several hantavirus cases and three fatalities.
• Two Indian nationals on the MV Hondius were asymptomatic and under observation on 9 May 2026.
• Dr. Naveen Kumar is the Director of the National Institute of Virology under the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Public health context

India’s laboratory network includes 165 specialised facilities with RT-PCR capability for viral confirmation. The National Centre for Disease Control and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme are part of India’s disease monitoring architecture.