Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents. While rare, they can cause very serious respiratory or kidney diseases.
Understanding transmission and recognising early warning signs is essential for anyone living or working in areas where wild rodents are common.
They are very rare in the UK (see below).
Regarding the recent situation involving the MV Hondius, the Andes strain is has been identified. It is hoped that analysis of this strain will determine any potential for human-to-human transmission.
Humans typically contract the virus through contact with infected rodents or their waste. The most common route is aerosolisation, which occurs when dried urine, droppings, or nesting materials are disturbed, causing viral particles to become airborne and inhaled.
It can also be transmitted through bites or by touching one’s face after handling contaminated materials.
Because hantaviruses often mimic the flu, they can be difficult to diagnose immediately. The ‘prodromal’ phase typically includes:
Note. Later symptoms can include jaundice or urinary problems, or easy bruising or bleeding,
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
In the Americas, the primary concern is HPS, often carried by deer mice. It is known for its rapid progression; it can start with mild symptoms and quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation where the lungs fill with fluid, making it extremely difficult to breathe.
Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses more commonly manifest as HFRS. This condition primarily affects the kidneys. Symptoms include intense headaches, back pain, and fever. Severe cases can lead to acute kidney failure (AKI) or internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Viral haemorrhagic fevers
The syndromes above are examples of Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs). These are severe illnesses caused by families of viruses (e.g. Ebola, Lassa, Marburg and Hanta).
VHFs damage the endothelium (inside of) small blood vessels (called a microangiopathy, or MAHA; see below). This leads to bleeding, organ failure, and a high mortality rate.
Other causes of MAHAs include other infections/sepsis, TTP, HUS, DIC, some medications and cancers.
VHFs are primarily zoonotic, transmitted through contact with infected animals (rats for hantaviruses), mosquitoes, or ticks, with some spreading between humans.
There is no specific cure, vaccine, or antiviral treatment for hantavirus. However, if recognised early and the patient receives intensive care (ICU), recovery chances improve.
Treatment focuses on supportive care, including oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation to assist breathing while the body fights the infection.
Doctors use blood tests to look for hantavirus antibodies to confirm the diagnosis. These usually need to be sent to specialist (sometimes with military links) laboratories (e.g. Porton Down in the UK).
Hantaviruses are widespread across Europe, particularly in central, eastern, and northern regions, with endemic areas expanding.
The virus is transmitted by rodents—mainly bank voles, yellow-necked mice, and striped field mice—with infections occurring through contact with contaminated droppings or saliva.
Key hotspots include Scandinavia, Finland, Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the Balkan region.
The best defence is keeping rodents out. Seal holes larger than a dime, keep food in airtight containers, and clear woodpiles near the home.
Regarding the outlook, HPS has a very high mortality rate of approximately 38%. However, for those who survive the initial respiratory distress, recovery is usually complete with no permanent lung damage, though fatigue may persist for several weeks.
1. Ventilate: Open doors and windows for 30 minutes.
2. Protective Gear: Wear rubber gloves and an N95 mask.
3. Disinfect: Soak the area with 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for 10 minutes.
4. Wipe: Use paper towels to pick up waste and dispose of them in sealed bags.
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