May 19, 2026

​Hantavirus is a group of viruses that was first discovered in the early 70s in South Korea. While the virus is known to cause illnesses like cold, cough and the flu, infections have been mostly a rare occurrence. The virus doesn’t spread from person to person and can be controlled by daily precautions such as maintaining hygiene, managing rodents, and keeping your home clean.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at  what Hantavirus is, its symptoms, causes, and prevention tips to help you protect yourself and your family from its harms. 

​Hantavirus Overview

Hantavirus is not a single virus, but rather a family of viruses that is carried by rodents like mice and rats. These mammals act as natural hosts of the virus. A fascinating phenomenon is that the virus causes no harm to the rodents, but is simply released through their body by saliva, faeces, or urine. Humans, on the other hand, can get infected if they come in contact with such contaminated materials. However, it is important to note that the virus mainly spreads from rodents to humans and not between humans. 

Studies have shown that the virus has thousands of strains across the world, and each strain is linked to a specific rodent species. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of May 2026, it was estimated that roughly 10,000 to 100,000 Hantavirus cases are reported each year, while the mortality rate lies between 1% to 15%. Nevertheless, the new Andes virus strain has raised concerns among researchers due to its rare ability to cause human-to-human transmission in contrast to the other strains of Hantavirus.

How Does Hantavirus Spread?

As mentioned earlier, Hantavirus is carried by natural hosts like mice and rats. They release the virus through their droppings, which, when disturbed, spread tiny contaminated particles in the air. When humans inhale these contaminated materials, they get infected with the Hantavirus. Other possible routes of hantavirus transmission include the following:

1. Direct Contact with Infected Materials

Humans can get infected by accidentally touching rodent droppings, urine, or saliva and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.

2. Touching Contaminated Surfaces

Similar to direct contact, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face without proper hand hygiene can cause virus transmission.

3. Rodent Bites or Scratches

Although rare, bites or scratches from infected rodents can also cause transmission of the virus. Additionally, consuming food or water that may be contaminated with infected rodent waste can lead to hantavirus infection.

4. Rare Cases – Human-to-Human Transmission

While Hantavirus does not generally spread among humans, the recent Andes virus strain found in South America has shown rare instances of person-to-person transmission. However, this is only possible when an individual is in close contact with an infected person.​

Early Symptoms of Hantavirus

Hantavirus symptoms usually begin one to eight weeks after exposure (also known as the incubation period). Depending on the type of virus and the severity of the infection, symptoms may range from mild to critical kidney or respiratory-related complications. Some of the major symptoms of Hantavirus include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite

In case of HFRS (Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome), signs like lowered blood pressure and kidney failure may be prevalent. While in HPS  (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome), patients may experience severe respiratory distress, shortness of breath, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and breathing difficulties.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing hantavirus can be a little challenging, as the symptoms resemble those of common illnesses like the flu or dengue. In most cases, doctors suspect Hantavirus only when the patient displays the right set of symptoms and has had a recent exposure to rodents. To confirm the presence of the infection, blood tests or PCR tests are often conducted. These help detect the virus or identify antibodies produced by the body against the infection.

Currently, there is no specific cure available for Hantavirus. Treatments mainly focus on managing symptoms and providing supportive care. Patients with conditions like HFRS or HPS may be provided with oxygen therapy, intensive care monitoring or ventilator support. 

How to Prevent Hantavirus Infection?

To prevent hantavirus it is important to ensure clean and hygienic surroundings and avoid any direct contact with contaminated materials. As rodents are natural hosts of the virus, ensuring proper rodent control measures plays a major role in its prevention. Some of the common preventive measures include the following:

• Keep home, kitchen spaces, and storage areas clean.
• Dispose of garbage and food waste properly.
• Seal any holes, cracks, or gaps that may allow rodents to enter the house.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching any potentially contaminated areas.
• Wear safety equipment like gloves and a mask while cleaning rodent-infested areas.

Researchers have suggested that it is best to avoid sweeping rodent droppings, as it may cause the release of contaminated particles into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation and infection.​

Conclusion

Hantavirus is serious but preventable. Therefore, knowing its causes, symptoms, and ways through which it can be avoided is crucial, especially in recent times with the growing awareness surrounding the infection and newer strains like the Andes virus. While the cases are relatively rare, taking proper precautions and seeking timely medical attention in case of symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications and help ensure better health outcomes.

FAQ

1. Can you get Hantavirus by touching a mouse?

Though not common, touching an infected mouse and touching your mouth, eyes, or nose can cause transmission of the infection.

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2. How common is Hantavirus infection?

Hantavirus infection is considered to be rare; however, it is most likely to occur in regions that have a high number of rodents and lack proper sanitation.

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3. Can people survive Hantavirus?

Yes, many people have survived hantavirus. Although it is a serious infection, the chances of recovery are extremely high in cases of early diagnosis and intervention. Survival chances mainly depend on the severity of the type of hantavirus strain and the severity of the condition.