Dzulkefly said the ministry had taken note of reports on the outbreak on the MV Hondius, and had contacted Singapore health authorities whose two crew members onboard later tested negative for the virus.

“Although the situation is under control and does not involve Malaysians, the health ministry will continue to closely monitor developments at the global and regional levels to ensure that the country’s border preparedness and healthcare system remain at the highest level,” he said in a Facebook post.

Dzulkefly also warned that the infection should not be taken lightly, as complications can be fatal, with the mortality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome reaching between 30% and 40%.

As there is currently no specific antiviral treatment, he said prevention and self-protection remain the strongest defence.

“The public does not need to panic, but we must remain vigilant,” he said, urging people to keep homes and workplaces clean and free from pest infestations.

Health authorities have identified the virus involved as the Andes strain of hantavirus, which is unusual because it can spread between humans through close and prolonged contact.

The disease is more commonly spread through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

Countries around the world are tracing passengers from the virus-hit ship to prevent any further spread.

Three people – a Dutch couple and a German national – died in the outbreak, while eight people are believed to have contracted the virus.

The World Health Organization said it expects the outbreak on the MV Hondius, currently sailing from Cape Verde to the Spanish island of Tenerife, to be limited, as long as public health measures are properly implemented.