Hantaviruses are a family of RNA viruses carried by rodents. In humans they cause two main syndromes: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in the Americas and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) in Europe and Asia.

Almost always by inhaling tiny airborne particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva — especially when sweeping or disturbing nests in closed spaces. Bites, contaminated food, and direct contact with mucous membranes are rarer routes.

Generally no. The single exception is Andes virus, found in Argentina and Chile, which has documented person-to-person spread, especially during the early symptomatic phase.

Early: fever, severe muscle aches (especially thighs, hips, back), fatigue, headache, chills, nausea, dizziness. Late (4–10 days in): coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. HPS can become life-threatening within 24 hours of respiratory symptoms.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome has a case fatality rate of roughly 38%. HFRS varies by strain — Hantaan and Dobrava virus around 5–15%, Seoul virus 1–2%, and Puumala under 1%.

No vaccine is approved in the US, EU, or most of the world. Inactivated vaccines exist in South Korea and China for HFRS strains. Several mRNA and viral-vector candidates are in early-stage trials.

There is no specific antiviral cure. Treatment is supportive — early hospitalization, oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and ECMO in severe cases. Early diagnosis dramatically improves survival, so tell doctors immediately if you've had rodent exposure.

Worldwide. Sin Nombre virus dominates in the western US and Canada. Andes virus circulates in Argentina, Chile, and parts of Bolivia. Hantaan, Seoul, and Dobrava are common in Asia and Europe. Africa cases are rare but documented (e.g., Saint Helena 2026).

Wild rodents — primarily deer mice, white-footed mice, cotton rats, rice rats (Americas); striped field mice, bank voles, Norway rats (Europe/Asia). Domestic pets, livestock, and insects do NOT spread it.

Ventilate the area for 30 minutes first. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Spray droppings with disinfectant (1:10 bleach or EPA-registered cleaner), let soak 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. Double-bag and dispose. Never sweep or vacuum — that aerosolizes the virus.

Don't panic — not all mice carry hantavirus, and casual sightings don't mean you're infected. Focus on rodent-proofing (seal entry points, set traps, store food properly) and clean any droppings using the precautions above.

Blood tests for IgM and IgG antibodies, plus RT-PCR to detect viral RNA. Diagnosis is confirmed by reference labs at CDC, ANLIS Malbrán (Argentina), or national equivalents.

Verified sources only: WHO Disease Outbreak News, CDC MMWR, PAHO, ECDC, and official state/provincial health department releases. ProMED-mail and news mentions are shown separately as unverified signals.