This is the transcript of a letter in which the World Allergy Foundation urged the PM to take preventive action over potential hantavirus risks.
Based on published medical literature an estimated 10 crore Indians or more suffering from Long COVID. These individuals experience persistent symptoms of Immune dysfunction, chronic Inflammation, Autoimmunity, Allergies, and Clotting abnormalities.
The recent outbreak of Andes hantavirus (the only hantavirus strain known for limited human-to-human transmission) aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has caused multiple deaths ,now highlights a new risk. While hantavirus primarily spreads through rodent excreta, the Andes strain can transmit through very close prolonged contact.
Individuals with Long COVID and immune dysregulation are likely to face significantly higher risk of severe disease and higher mortality if infected, as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome already carries 30-40% mortality in healthy individuals. These 10crore will again to an extent, will further tranmit infection to other citizens. This might not be like COVID-19 situation but deserves immediate awareness & proactive steps to handle such illness.
Recommendations for immediate consideration:
- Launch a nationwide rodent control and awareness campaign, focusing on proper waste management and rodent-proofing of homes and food storage.
- Issue specific guidelines for Long COVID patients and those with autoimmune conditions & Allergic Disorders advising them to avoid exposure to rodent droppings, use masks while cleaning dusty areas, and prefer wet cleaning over sweeping.
- Integrate Long COVID clinics with education on zoonotic disease risks.
- Ensure ICU preparedness and training for early recognition and aggressive supportive care of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases.
- Closely monitor individuals returning from the MV Hondius cruise ship and their close contacts. ITS OF ABSOLUTE IMPORTANCE FOR NEXT 30 DAYS TO MONITOR THOSE RETURNING TO INDIA AFTER SPENDING THEIR VACATION ABROAD. his vulnerable population of roughly 10 crore deserves targeted protection. While human-to-human transmission of hantavirus remains documented, their medical fragility warrants preventive action now. I kindly request your office to direct the concerned ministries & team to review this matter urgently. Thank you for your leadership and attention to public health.
