Common questions about hantavirus symptoms, active hantavirus outbreak events,
how to use the hantavirus map, transmission, and prevention.
What is hantavirus? +
Hantavirus is a family of RNA viruses carried by rodents. Infected rodents shed the virus in urine, droppings, and saliva. Humans can become infected by breathing in contaminated dust, direct contact, or (rarely) rodent bites.
Can hantavirus spread from person to person? +
Most hantavirus strains do NOT spread between people. The notable exception is Andes virus in South America, which has documented cases of person-to-person transmission through close contact.
How is hantavirus treated? +
There is no specific antiviral treatment approved for hantavirus. Management is supportive: intensive care, oxygen therapy (for HPS), and dialysis (for HFRS). Early hospitalization improves survival significantly.
Is there a vaccine for hantavirus? +
No vaccine is available in Western countries. South Korea and China use inactivated vaccines against Hantaan and Seoul virus for high-risk groups, but these are not globally approved.
How do I avoid hantavirus? +
Avoid contact with wild rodents and their droppings. When cleaning rodent-infested areas, wear gloves and an N95 respirator, wet down dusty areas with disinfectant before sweeping, and seal holes in buildings.
Which rodents carry hantavirus? +
Different rodent species carry different strains: deer mouse (Sin Nombre virus, USA), white-footed mouse, cotton rat, rice rat (Americas), bank vole (Puumala, Europe), field mouse (Hantaan, Asia), Norway rat (Seoul virus, worldwide).
How long after exposure do symptoms appear? +
The incubation period is typically 1–8 weeks (most commonly 2–4 weeks). Initial symptoms resemble flu, making early diagnosis difficult.
Where is hantavirus most common? +
HPS is most prevalent in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and the western United States. HFRS is most common in China, Korea, Scandinavia, and Russia. Cases have been reported on every continent except Antarctica.
How accurate is the data on this site? +
Data is compiled from WHO situation reports, CDC case counts, ECDC surveillance, and national health ministry publications. Numbers may lag official totals by days to weeks. Always verify with official sources for clinical decisions.
Hantavirus Symptoms, Outbreak & Map — Quick Reference
Hantavirus symptoms begin 2–4 weeks after exposure and start with
sudden high fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In HPS (the predominant hantavirus syndrome during the
2026 hantavirus outbreak in South America), hantavirus symptoms rapidly progress to acute pulmonary failure.
In HFRS, hantavirus symptoms centre on kidney dysfunction.
The hantavirus map on this site shows every
country currently reporting a hantavirus outbreak, with bubble markers sized by case count.
The hantavirus map is the fastest way to assess current hantavirus outbreak risk by region.
For in-depth guidance on identifying hantavirus symptoms, visit the
hantavirus symptoms page.
For reducing your exposure risk during a hantavirus outbreak, visit
hantavirus prevention.
For medical emergencies, call your local emergency services. This site does not provide medical advice.