Hantavirus fears highlight a familiar truth: it is more our lack of preparedness that poses a risk than the virus itself.
Upon learning about the Hantavirus infections across parts of Asia, social media played its part, as usual, and amplified the fear. On a global level, the fatality rate for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is 30–40%, but the virus is not that contagious and doesn’t easily pass on from one human being to another. Before long, rumours began spreading faster than tact, lockdown days flooded back into our minds, and the panic buying began. But Hantavirus is not the same as the coronavirus.
Asia has already suffered greatly from panic about pandemics in the past. The impact of the virus on Asia’s economy was devastating, resulting in billions in losses, thousands of job losses, and stunted economic growth. However, even when the pandemic subsided, the countries continued to struggle economically.
“The greatest threat from emerging diseases is not always the pathogen itself, but the panic, misinformation and governance failures that accompany it.”
The reason for the destructive effect of that crisis is not only the virus itself, but also the fear, misinformation, poor coordination, and ineffective communication. The same mistakes could be repeated.
The very factors that make Asia such a powerhouse, like its connectivity, urbanisation, active markets, and cross-border travel, are also Asia’s weaknesses when facing a health crisis. China alone has some 1,500–3,000 cases of Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) reported each year, putting it at the top in terms of incidence rates worldwide.
Despite the looming threat of emerging pathogens and zoonoses, most Asian health systems still spend less than 5% of their GDP on healthcare—a critical vulnerability that must be addressed
Factor in climate change, destruction of habitats, and increased human-wildlife interaction, and a new disease outbreak will soon become an inevitability. From marshes in East Asia to the forested areas of Southeast Asia, all the ingredients for zoonotic transmission are being set in place. However, the healthcare system in many parts of the continent is not uniform.
The cost of panic
There is a cost to panic. Panic affects markets, sows doubt among investors, destroys tourism, and exacerbates anxiety within society. But there is also room for misinformation, stigma, and politically motivated scapegoating, all of which damage trust at the very moment it is most needed.
During the outbreak of COVID-19, the quick transmission of fear across national borders became clear. Today, with the advent of social media and the constant news cycle, panic spreads much faster than ever before. In terms of economic losses, Asia-Pacific nations have lost trillions of dollars in GDP collectively during the COVID-19 pandemic, with worldwide tourism falling by 70% at its worst point in 2020.
One piece of misinformation is enough to cause panic in one nation, quarantine in another, and economic losses in between.
What Asia must do now
It is obvious that Asia cannot afford another pandemic panic. Governments have to:
- Enhance monitoring systems: Identify risks ahead, report findings openly, and support research.
- Sustain effective communication: Act swiftly and communicate effectively to dispel myths.
- Promote regional collaboration: No viruses recognise political boundaries; hence, our readiness must follow suit.
- Invest in public confidence: We listen to advice if we respect our leadership.
Hantavirus may never cause another pandemic—which is a sigh of relief. However, the hysteria it created is a signal we can ill afford to ignore. Our region's future is determined not only by economic development but also by our ability to remain calm, informed, and ready.
In spite of periodic outbreaks of zoonoses across Asia, most health systems continue to spend less than 5% of GDP on healthcare.
Viruses may emerge without warning. But panic is a choice. Asia must choose preparedness over panic every time.