Jakarta, May 11 -- Indonesia has recorded no hantavirus transmission from rodents to humans since 1991, the Health Ministry said, distinguishing local strains from recent cruise ship cases involving a different virus type.

Acting disease control chief Andi Saguni said cases on the MV Hondius were Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), unlike Indonesia's Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

"HPS is common in South America and has never been reported in Indonesia," he said on Monday.

He said Indonesia's cases involve the Seoul virus strain of HFRS, identified since 1991.

Saguni said HPS on the cruise ship was caused by the Andes virus, which some studies suggest can spread between humans through close, prolonged contact.

He adde...