Andes Virus Reservoir Rodents: Mice, Rats & Hantavirus

Each hantavirus is associated with particular rodent hosts. For Andes virus, the public-health sources used on this tracker describe the reservoir context as South American rodent species, not UK rats or North American deer mice.

Andes virus is associated with South American rodents. UKHSA states that the South American rodent species linked to Andes virus are not found in the UK.

In North America, deer mice are important for Sin Nombre virus. In Europe and Asia, other hantaviruses are associated with voles, rats, and field mice. That is why the exact virus name matters when comparing rodent risks.

Exposure can happen when fresh or dried rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting material is disturbed and contaminated particles are inhaled.

Dry sweeping, vacuuming, or stirring up nesting material can increase exposure risk. Use public-health cleanup guidance for any rodent-contaminated area.

UK guidance notes very few confirmed hantavirus infections in the United Kingdom, with Seoul virus identified in wild rats. Seoul virus does not spread between people in the way Andes virus can.

Pet rodent owners should still follow hygiene guidance, especially around bedding, cages, bites, scratches, and cleaning.