What it is
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses that live in rodents such as mice and rats. Each type of hantavirus is tied to one rodent species. The rodent carries the virus for life without getting sick, and passes it out in its urine, droppings and saliva.
Many hantaviruses exist, but only a few make people ill. They cause two different diseases, depending on where in the world you are.
| Region | Disease | What it mainly affects | Fatality rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| North, Central and South America | Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), also called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome | Lungs and heart | Up to 50%, commonly 20 to 40% |
| Europe and Asia | Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) | Kidneys and blood vessels | Under 1% to 15% |
Source: WHO fact sheet
How common is it?
WHO estimates 10,000 to over 100,000 infections worldwide each year, most of them in Asia and Europe. The Americas see only hundreds of cases a year, but these are the more dangerous kind. The United States has recorded fewer than 1,000 cases in total.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who comes into contact with rodents or their droppings. Typical situations are cleaning out a cabin, shed, barn or garage that has been closed up, farm and forestry work, and camping or sleeping in places where mice live.
Frequently asked questions
Can I catch hantavirus from another person? Almost never. Only Andes virus, found in Argentina and Chile, has been shown to pass between people, and only after close, prolonged contact such as within a household. Hantaviruses in North America, Europe and Asia do not spread between people.
Can I catch it from my pet? Hantavirus comes from rodents. Pet rats can carry Seoul virus, so CDC advises against pet rodents in homes with children aged 5 or younger, pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.
Is there a vaccine? No licensed vaccine exists.
How is it treated? There is no specific antiviral. Treatment is supportive hospital care, often in intensive care, to help breathing, heart and kidney function. Getting care early makes a real difference.
I found mouse droppings at home. Should I worry? Finding droppings is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to clean up properly. Wet everything down with disinfectant first and never sweep or vacuum dry droppings. The prevention page has the steps.
When should I see a doctor? If you develop fever, muscle aches or tiredness within eight weeks of being around rodents or their droppings, see a doctor and tell them about the rodent exposure. The symptoms page explains what to watch for. Go to emergency care if you become short of breath.
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