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Could hantavirus be the new emerging pathogen in Kerala? Key dates and findings
The piece traces possible hantavirus circulation in Kerala, highlighting historic seropositivity, a 2014 probable HFRS case, and a 2025 study indicating exposure. It also notes recent diagnostic advances by the IAV, including PCR testing, as of May 9, 2026, amid concerns about misdiagnosis with leptospirosis.
Why It Matters
Because hantavirus and leptospirosis share symptoms, accurate diagnosis is critical for disease management and public health response. The emergence of PCR-based confirmation could refine the apparent burden and guide surveillance.
Timeline
4 Events
IAV acquires PCR testing facility for hantavirus diagnosis (as of May 9, 2026)
May 9, 2026
The Institute of Applied Virology (IAV) has acquired a PCR testing facility for confirmatory hantavirus diagnosis and has begun routine PCR testing of clinical samples from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, though no positive cases had been detected yet.
December 2025 study on anti-orthohantavirus antibodies (Lisie Hospital, Kochi)
December 2025
A December 2025 study by Chandy et al. tested serum samples from 216 febrile patients at Lisie Hospital, Kochi for anti-orthohantavirus IgM and IgG antibodies; 16.2% were IgM-positive, 11.57% IgG-positive, and 4.63% showed both, indicating possible exposure to hantavirus.
Probable hantavirus-induced HFRS case in Kerala (2014)
2014
In 2014, there was a probable hantavirus-induced hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) case in Kerala that mimicked leptospirosis, but no confirmatory diagnosis was made at the time.
Hantavirus seropositivity reported in Kerala (earliest evidence)
2008
Several research studies in Kerala reported hantavirus seropositivity as early as 2008, indicating population exposure to Orthohantavirus in the state.