OVERVIEW
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a group of zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally infect people. WHO describes them as rodent-borne viruses capable of causing severe disease and death, although illness differs by virus type and geography.
In the Americas, hantaviruses can cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome, often called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses more commonly cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.
TRANSMISSION
How hantavirus spreads
People usually become infected after exposure to infected rodents or material contaminated by rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Risk increases when contaminated dust is disturbed in enclosed or poorly ventilated places such as sheds, cabins, storage rooms, barns, or infested homes.
Rodent bites can also transmit infection, but CDC describes that route as rare. Person-to-person spread is not typical for most hantaviruses. Andes virus, found in South America, is the main documented exception.
SYMPTOMS
Hantavirus symptoms
Symptoms often begin one to eight weeks after exposure. Early illness can resemble other infections, which is why exposure history matters. People should tell clinicians about rodent exposure, travel, cleaning of enclosed spaces, or close contact with confirmed Andes virus cases.
Early symptoms
- Fever
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Headache, chills, or dizziness
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Severe warning signs
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Fluid in the lungs or shock in HCPS/HPS
- Low blood pressure or bleeding problems in HFRS
- Kidney complications in HFRS
DISEASE TYPES
Diseases caused by hantaviruses
Different hantaviruses are associated with different rodent reservoirs, regions, and clinical syndromes.
Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome
A severe illness affecting the lungs and heart.WHO describes HCPS as a rapidly progressive condition that can lead to cough, shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, and shock. CDC commonly uses the term hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
A syndrome affecting kidneys and blood vessels.HFRS may progress to low blood pressure, bleeding problems, and kidney failure. WHO notes that HFRS is more commonly reported in Europe and Asia.
Andes virus infection
The major human-to-human exception.WHO and CDC identify Andes virus as the currently known hantavirus with documented limited person-to-person transmission, mainly among close and prolonged contacts.
CARE
Diagnosis and treatment
WHO notes that early diagnosis can be difficult because early symptoms overlap with influenza, COVID-19, viral pneumonia, dengue, leptospirosis, and sepsis. Laboratory confirmation may use serology or molecular testing such as RT-PCR during acute illness.
There is no licensed specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infection. Care is supportive and may include intensive monitoring, oxygen or ventilatory support, cardiac support, and kidney support depending on the syndrome.
PREVENTION
How to reduce hantavirus risk
Keep rodents out
Seal gaps and holes, store food securely, remove nesting material, and keep homes, sheds, cabins, and workplaces clean.
Clean safely
Do not dry sweep or vacuum rodent droppings. Ventilate closed spaces and dampen contaminated areas with disinfectant before cleanup.
Seek care early
Get medical care quickly if fever, muscle aches, or breathing symptoms occur after possible rodent exposure. Mention the exposure history.
FAQ
Hantavirus wiki FAQ
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses that can cause severe human disease, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the Americas and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Europe and Asia.
How do people get hantavirus?
Most infections happen after contact with infected rodents or dust contaminated by rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Rodent bites can transmit infection, but that is rare.
Can hantavirus spread between people?
Person-to-person spread is not documented for most hantaviruses. Andes virus in South America is the major exception, with limited spread reported among close contacts.
Is there a hantavirus vaccine or cure?
WHO states there is no licensed specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infection. Early supportive medical care is important.
SOURCES
Official sources
This page is a plain-language education page, not medical advice or an official public-health advisory. It summarizes WHO and CDC guidance and links to primary sources below.