Scientific Overview

About Hantavirus

Hantaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the family Bunyaviridae, genus Hantavirus. They cause two distinct life-threatening syndromes in humans, depending on the viral strain and geographic region.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Americas

CFR

~35%

  • Caused by Sin Nombre, Andes, Bayou and related strains
  • Primarily affects the lungs (cardiopulmonary edema)
  • Transmitted via inhalation of infected rodent excreta
  • Andes virus: only hantavirus with documented human-to-human transmission
  • No approved antiviral treatment; supportive care only

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

Europe & Asia

CFR

0.1 – 15%

  • Caused by Hantaan, Seoul, Puumala, Dobrava and related strains
  • Primarily affects kidneys; can cause hemorrhagic manifestations
  • China accounts for ~90% of global HFRS burden annually
  • Puumala (Europe): mild form, low CFR (<1%)
  • Hantaan/Dobrava: severe forms with higher CFR

Transmission Routes

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Inhalation

Most common. Aerosolized rodent urine, droppings or saliva.

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Contact

Broken skin contact with contaminated material.

💧

Ingestion

Rare. Contaminated food or water.

Note: The Andes virus (Argentina/Chile) is the only known hantavirus capable of human-to-human transmission, demonstrated during the 2018 El Bolsón cluster (34 cases, 11 deaths).

For clinical guidance, consult the CDC Hantavirus page or your national health authority.