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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipinos urged to observe hygiene, preventive health measures amid hantavirus monitoring

Filipinos urged to observe hygiene, preventive health measures amid hantavirus monitoring

Published May 12, 2026 12:44 pm  |  Updated May 12, 2026 01:45 pm

At A Glance

  • Recent reports of positive hantavirus cases aboard the MV Hondius prompted alerts from the World Health Organization and other international health groups.
(Courtesy: Pixabay)
(Courtesy: Pixabay)
Independent health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has urged Filipinos to observe cleanliness, proper hygiene, and preventive health measures amid global monitoring of hantavirus developments.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantavirus is transmitted through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents.
Leachon stressed the importance of keeping homes and workplaces clean, particularly for seafarers and workers exposed to areas that may be infested with rats.
“Maco-contain po ito through our hygiene at ang pag-iingat lalo na sa ating mga tripulante (This can be contained through proper hygiene and caution, especially among our crew members),” Leachon said in recent a radio interview.
He said preventive health education remains crucial, noting that people should understand how the virus spreads in order to take proper precautions.
Likewise, Leachon said migrant workers and maritime workers should ensure that ships are cleaned before docking in the Philippines, adding that workers assigned in areas potentially infested by rodents should wear protective gear such as boots.
Recent reports of positive hantavirus cases aboard the MV Hondius prompted alerts from the World Health Organization and other international health groups.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), meanwhile, said none of the 38 Filipino crew members onboard the cruise ship had contracted the virus. 
“I don’t think this will escalate into another global pandemic, at i-welcome natin ang mga kababayan nating babalik with open arms, na hindi po tayo natatakot sa kanila (I don’t think this will escalate into another global pandemic, and we should welcome our returning countrymen with open arms without fear),” Leachon said.
As such,  he said the hantavirus does not currently have the capacity to trigger a global pandemic based on advisories from the WHO, although Filipinos should remain vigilant against emerging diseases that may affect healthcare systems and overseas Filipino workers.
Leachon also expressed confidence that the Philippine government and healthcare sector would be able to manage possible outbreaks, citing lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Yes, kakayanin natin. Sa pinagdaanan natin, almost limang taon sa covid virus, I think kakayanin natin yan (Yes, we can handle it. After what we went through during almost five years of Covid, I think we can manage this),” he said.
He added that public education and awareness remain essential in addressing health threats, alongside the efforts of agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

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Filipinos urged observe hygiene preventive health measures amid hantavirus monitoring Leachon
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