Overview
Hantavirus is a genus of RNA viruses in the family Hantaviridae, carried asymptomatically by various rodent species worldwide. In humans, infection occurs primarily through inhalation of aerosolized particles from infected rodent excreta. The disease manifests in two main clinical forms depending on the viral strain and geographic region.
The disease does not spread through direct contact between people (with the Andes virus exception), which distinguishes it from many other infectious diseases that receive high media coverage. The risk to the general public is considered low by WHO, PAHO and ECDC in 2026.
Two Clinical Syndromes
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Primarily affects the lungs. Rapid onset of severe respiratory distress. Case-fatality rate approximately 35–40%.
Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
Primarily affects the kidneys. Ranges from mild (Puumala) to severe (Hantaan). Fatality 0.1–15% depending on strain.
Brief History
Hantavirus was first recognised as a distinct human pathogen in 1993 following an unexplained respiratory illness cluster in the Four Corners region of the United States. The causative agent — Sin Nombre virus — was identified within weeks. HFRS caused by related viruses had been documented in Asia since the Korean War era (1950s) but the link to hantaviruses was established later.
The Andes virus, discovered in Argentina in 1995, remains the only hantavirus strain with confirmed person-to-person transmission capability, observed in rare cluster cases.
Major Hantavirus Strains
| Virus | Region | Syndrome | Main host | CFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sin Nombre virus (SNV) | USA / Canada | HPS | Deer mouse | ~35% |
| Andes virus (ANDV) | Argentina / Chile | HPS | Colilargo rat | ~35% |
| Puumala virus (PUUV) | Northern Europe | HFRS | Bank vole | <0.1% |
| Hantaan virus (HTNV) | Asia (China, Korea) | HFRS | Striped field mouse | 1–15% |
| Seoul virus (SEOV) | Worldwide (rats) | HFRS | Brown / black rat | <1% |
| Dobrava-Belgrade (DOBV) | Southeast Europe | HFRS | Yellow-necked mouse | 0.5–12% |
Global Status in 2026
Hantavirus remains a rare disease globally. There are no pandemic or epidemic concerns. Case counts in 2026 are consistent with historical annual baselines. WHO, PAHO and ECDC maintain routine surveillance but have not issued any elevated risk advisories.
There is no globally approved vaccine against hantavirus. Treatment is primarily supportive, focused on maintaining respiratory and renal function. Early diagnosis and transfer to an intensive care unit are the most critical factors for improving prognosis in HPS cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a family of RNA viruses carried by rodents. In humans it can cause two main syndromes: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in the Americas and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) in Europe and Asia.
Is hantavirus a rare disease?
Yes. Hantavirus is considered a rare disease globally. The Americas report 200–500 HPS cases per year. HFRS in Europe and Asia has higher numbers but remains uncommon relative to other infectious diseases.
Can hantavirus spread between humans?
Most hantavirus strains do NOT spread between people. The only documented exception is Andes virus in South America, which has shown rare person-to-person transmission in cluster cases.
What is the mortality rate of hantavirus?
HPS (Americas) has a case-fatality rate of approximately 35–40%. HFRS caused by Puumala virus is typically mild, with a fatality rate below 0.1%. Severe Hantaan virus HFRS in Asia can reach 1–15% mortality.