Hantavirus is a genus of viruses in the family Bunyaviridae, typically transmitted via the respiratory route when humans come into contact with the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents, especially rats. The virus causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), depending on the strain.
According to health organizations, hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person. Initial symptoms often resemble the flu: fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. However, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to acute respiratory failure, with fatality rates reaching up to 38% for some virus strains.
To prevent infection, experts advise avoiding contact with rodents and areas where they live, maintaining clean households, and wearing masks when cleaning areas with signs of contamination. There is currently no vaccine for hantavirus; treatment mainly involves respiratory support and intensive care.
