Why PR and Health Communication Matter During Outbreaks

A few viral headlines, WhatsApp forwards, TikTok videos, or alarming screenshots can create public anxiety long before people fully understand what is actually happening.

The recent hantavirus coverage is a good example. Following international reporting involving a cruise ship outbreak and regional monitoring efforts, online discussions quickly intensified across Southeast Asia. Some social media posts began speculating about widespread regional risks even before official information was fully clarified.

As of May 12, 2026, Malaysia has not reported confirmed local hantavirus cases involving Malaysians. However, the topic has still generated concern online because many people understandably remain sensitive to outbreak-related news after the COVID-19 pandemic experience.

Hence why responsible communication matters and our PR agency would like to talk about it.

Why Malaysians Are More Sensitive to Health Scares Today

COVID-19 changed how many Malaysians react to outbreak news.

For several years, Malaysians experienced:

• Lockdowns and movement restrictions
• Daily case count monitoring
• Viral misinformation online
• Panic buying
• Constant uncertainty
• Rapidly changing SOPs
• Conflicting information from different sources

Because of that experience, many people now react more strongly whenever new disease headlines appear online.

Even relatively unfamiliar diseases can trigger anxiety quickly if information spreads faster than clarification.

This does not mean public concern is irrational. In many ways, people simply became more aware of how rapidly situations can evolve during a health crisis.

However, it also means misinformation can escalate much faster if communication is unclear or sensationalised.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses primarily spread through contact with infected rodents, rodent droppings, saliva, or urine. Human infections are considered relatively rare.

“The WHO notes hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon globally, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to over 100,000 infections per year worldwide, and severity varies by region and syndrome.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most hantavirus strains do not spread easily between humans. Certain strains, such as the Andes strain found in South America, have shown limited human-to-human transmission, but this is not considered the norm.

Current public reporting also indicates that WHO does not consider the present situation comparable to another COVID-style pandemic, hence it is LOW risk.

This context matters because social media headlines often remove nuance. Once people see words like “virus outbreak,” fear can spread faster than facts.

How Panic and Misinformation Spread During Health Scares

One major challenge during outbreaks is the speed of online information.

Today, people receive updates from:

• WhatsApp forwards
• TikTok clips
• Facebook reposts
• Xiaohongshu discussions
• AI-generated summaries
• Viral screenshots
• Influencer commentary
• Sensational headlines

The problem is that not all information circulating online is verified. During COVID-19, Malaysians saw many examples of:

• Fake lockdown notices
• False cure claims
• Old videos reused out of context
• Fabricated government announcements
• Edited screenshots
• Rumours spreading before official clarification

Malaysia has established platforms such as SEBENARNYA.MY to help the public verify viral claims and reduce misinformation spread.

Why Responsible Health Communication Is Important

Good health communication helps people understand actual risks and avoid unnecessary panic. People need to make informed decisions, and they can only do so with good information.

Poor communication, on the other hand, can create:

• Fear-driven behaviour
• Distrust
• Public confusion
• Social tension
• Reputational damage
• Viral misinformation cycles

Communication becomes especially important when information is still developing.

“Saying too little can create an information vacuum, saying too much without verification can worsen panic.”

The most effective communication during health scares is usually:

• Calm
• Transparent
• Consistent
• Evidence-based
• Regularly updated

What the Public Can Do During Health Scares

Health scares can feel overwhelming online, especially when information changes rapidly. However, there are practical ways Malaysians can respond more responsibly.

Verify Before Sharing

Before forwarding messages:

• Check official health authority statements
• Look for credible news reporting
• Avoid spreading unverified screenshots
• Be cautious with emotionally charged claims

Not every viral message is accurate.

Avoid Fear-Based Content

Some online creators use alarming headlines for clicks and engagement. Fear-driven content can distort public perception and worsen anxiety.

It is important to distinguish between:

• verified updates
• speculation
• sensationalism

Follow Official Sources

Reliable references may include:

• Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Singapore Ministry of Health
• established news organisations

Official updates are usually slower because they require verification. That delay is often intentional and responsible.

Stay Calm and Practical

Public awareness is important, but panic rarely helps.

For most people, practical hygiene habits and staying informed through credible sources are far more useful than reacting emotionally to rumours online.

Why Communication Trust Matters More Than Ever

Malaysia’s post-pandemic environment has made public trust extremely valuable.

People now pay closer attention to institutional credibility and transparency. When communication breaks down, public confidence can erode very quickly.

This applies not only to governments, but also to:

• Businesses
• Hospitals
• Employers
• Media organisations
• Influencers

In many cases, how information is communicated shapes public reaction just as much as the information itself.

The Role of PR During Public Health Scares

Many people think PR only relates to branding or media publicity, but PR also plays a major role during crises.

During health-related uncertainty, organisations may need to communicate with:

• Employees
• Customers
• Media outlets
• Investors
• Government agencies
• Business partners
• Local communities

And that’s exactly what PRESS does.

Beyond media visibility, effective PR today also involves helping brands navigate sensitive public conversations and maintain public confidence when information environments become noisy or uncertain.

If you’re interested in what our PR agency can do for you, give us a call!

Source:

• Ministry of Health Malaysia — Media statement on hantavirus monitoring & preparedness (added 8 May 2026).
• WHO — Hantavirus Fact Sheet (human-to-human exception; burden estimates).
• WHO — Disease Outbreak News on cruise-ship-linked hantavirus cluster (risk assessment).
• DataReportal — Digital 2026: Malaysia (internet penetration; social media identities).
• Local reporting quoting Malaysia Health Minister on “no cases / heightened screening” (context for public concern).

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Communication for Hantavirus

Is There A Hantavirus Outbreak In Malaysia?

As of May 12, 2026, Malaysia has not reported confirmed local hantavirus cases involving Malaysians. However, regional monitoring and public discussions have increased following international reporting involving cruise ship cases.

Does Hantavirus Spread Easily Between Humans?

Most hantavirus strains do not spread easily between humans. Certain rare strains have shown limited human-to-human transmission, but this is not considered common according to WHO reporting.

Why Do Health Scares Spread So Quickly Online?

Social media platforms, messaging apps, viral videos, and fast-moving online discussions can spread information faster than official verification processes. This can sometimes amplify panic and misinformation.

What Should Malaysians Do During Health Scares?

People should rely on verified information from trusted health authorities, avoid spreading unverified rumours, and stay calm while monitoring official updates.

Why Is PR Important During Public Health Concerns?

PR and crisis communication help organisations communicate clearly, reduce confusion, maintain trust, and respond responsibly during uncertain or sensitive situations.

How Can Businesses Avoid Causing Panic During Health Scares?

Businesses should avoid speculation, verify facts carefully, communicate consistently, and ensure public messaging aligns with official guidance and accurate information.