New Delhi, May 7 -- Hantavirus is a rare but severe viral illness caused by rodent borne viruses which are predominantly transmitted via contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. India has not reported any large-scale confirmed hantavirus outbreak up till now, but health experts show heightened vigilance towards zoonotic diseases with worried global attention following recent international cases associated with cruise ship exposure.

Dr. Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant - Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi says that even though hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon, there is worldwide awareness of the disease because a severe form of it can involve the lungs and be fatal if diagnosed late.

"I...