Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodents, such as mice, rats or voles, that can infect humans through contact with their urine, faeces, or saliva.
Hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon worldwide.
Those present in North, Central and South America are known to cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). Although uncommon, limited human-to-human transmission of HCPS due to Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, has been reported in community settings involving close and prolonged contact.
Hantaviruses found in Europe and Asia are known to cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Human-to-human transmission has not been documented in this part of the world.
Occupations such as forestry workers, farmers and military personnel have an increased risk of infection due to exposure to rodents. The risk of infection amongst campers, hikers and tourists to endemic areas is generally considered to be low and can be reduced if rodent contact is avoided.
The clinical features in patients with hantavirus disease vary, from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe symptoms. HCPS is characterized by headache, dizziness, fever, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, followed by sudden onset of respiratory distress and hypotension. The most severe cases of HCPS may need additional supportive treatment e.g. respiratory ventilation in a hospital setting.
Symptoms of HCPS typically occur from 2-4 weeks after initial exposure to the virus. However, symptoms may appear as early as one week and as late as 45 days, following exposure.
As there is no specific treatment, management of hantavirus infections is mainly supportive and dependent on the individual nature of the different syndromes.
Prevention
There is no vaccine or medication to prevent hantavirus infection. Risk of infection can be reduced through taking steps to minimise exposure to rodents and their urine, droppings and saliva. The following will help reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, urine and saliva. Keep rodents out of your home, workplace, cabin, shed, car, camper or other closed space. Seal up holes larger than the width of a pencil.
- Use snap traps to catch mice (not glue or live traps).
- Contain food and rubbish including food waste, in rodent-proof containers.
- To remove rodent mess, use moist cleaning with paper towels and disinfectant or bleach, and a face mask and gloves should be worn. Do not stir-up rodent dust by dry brushing or vacuuming. Cleaning materials should be carefully disposed of immediately. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water.
- Seek prompt medical advice if bitten by a rodent or if symptoms of hantavirus infection develop following contact with rodent urine, droppings or saliva in areas where hantavirus is known to be present.
Resources
- World Health Organization: Hantavirus
- UKHSA: Hantaviruses
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Disease information about hantavirus
- Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Clinician Brief: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. Clinician Brief: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
- California Department of Public Health: Hantavirus infection
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Recent News on Hantavirus
Hantavirus cruise ship outbreak
WHO and UKHSA are monitoring a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, with the risk to the UK public currently assessed as very low
Updated: 22 May 2026Recent Hantavirus Outbreaks
Hantavirus in Argentina
As of 3 October 2026, a total of 59 confirmed hantavirus cases have been reported in Argentina during 2026. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on hantavirus.
As of 25 April 2026, 101 confirmed cases of hantavirus infection and 32 deaths have been reported in Argentina during the 2025/2026 season. Cases have been reported in the following provinces: Buenos Aires, Salta, Santa Fe, Chubut, Río Negro, Entre Ríos and Jujuy. Please see UKHSA guidance for more details on hantavirus.
Source: StateBetween 1 January and 28 March 2026, 32 confirmed cases of hantavirus infection and eight deaths have been reported. Cases have been reported in the following provinces: Buenos Aires, Salta, Chubut, Río Negro, Entre Ríos and Jujuy. Please see UKHSA guidance for more details on hantavirus.
Source: StateAs of 8 February 2026, 19 cases of hantavirus have been reported in Argentina since the start of the year. This brings the total number of cases reported since July 2025 to 79. The Centro and South regions have been most severely affected. Please see UKHSA guidance for more details on hantavirus.
Source: StateAs of 20 November 2025, 66 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (including 21 deaths) have been reported in Argentina during 2025. The Central Region has reported 64% of cases. Please see UKHSA guidance for more details on hantavirus.
Source: PAHOHantavirus in France
On 6 August 2026, one case of Hantavirus Andes virus (ANDV) was reported in a French-Argentine citizen who travelled through France in late July. The case is now isolating in Spain and is asymptomatic. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on hantavirus.
Hantavirus in Chile
As of 28 July 2026, 46 cases of hantavirus (18 deaths) have been reported from the Valparaiso, Metropolitana, O'Higgins, Maule, Nuble, Biobío, La Araucania, Los Rios, Los Lagos and Aysen regions. The Ministry of Health in Chile have declared a 'Health Alert' for hantavirus, which extends from the regions of Atacama to Magallanes and will be in force until July 31, 2027. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on hantavirus.
As of 8 November 2025, 35 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (including seven deaths) have been reported in Chile during 2025. Cases have been reported across a number of regions with 88.6% being exposed in rural areas. Please see UKHSA guidance for more details on hantavirus.
Source: PAHOHantavirus in Venezuela
As of 21 July 2016, three deaths from hantavirus have been reported in Boca del Pao, Anzoátegui State. Please see UKHSA guidance for more details on hantavirus.
