Nepal, July 2 -- The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has urged the public to stay alert against hantavirus after Nepal recorded its first reported death from the rodent-borne disease, warning that preventive measures are crucial to avoid further infections.

Although only one fatality has been confirmed so far, MoHP said the risk of infection remains and called on people to maintain proper hygiene and minimise contact with rodents, the primary carriers of the virus.

Health experts say hantavirus is transmitted to humans mainly through direct or indirect contact with the urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents. People can also become infected by inhaling virus particles stirred into the air while cleaning rodent-infested ...