Medical reference
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses primarily spread by rodents. Below is a short explainer: what they are, how they spread, the two main syndromes, and why the MV Hondius Andes virus cluster is being monitored across multiple countries.
Hantavirus Definition
A Rodent-Borne Virus Family
Hantaviruses are RNA viruses primarily carried by certain rodents. People typically become infected by inhaling virus aerosolised from infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Some strains can cause severe disease and death.
Main Hantavirus Syndromes
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
In the Americas, several hantaviruses including Sin Nombre virus and Andes virus cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS, also called HCPS). HPS targets the lungs and cardiovascular system; severe cases progress to respiratory failure and shock.
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses such as Puumala, Seoul and Hantaan cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), affecting the kidneys and blood vessels.
Andes Virus
The Person-to-Person Exception
Andes virus is found in South America and is the only hantavirus with documented limited person-to-person transmission, in cases of close and prolonged contact. That is why the MV Hondius cluster — with cases identified as Andes virus — is being monitored across 122+ repatriated passengers for the full 42-day window.
How Hantavirus Spreads
Rodent Exposure
Most transmission occurs after exposure to rodent urine, droppings or saliva, often through inhalation of aerosolised dust in enclosed spaces. Direct contact with contaminated surfaces can also transmit virus.
Close Contact in Andes Virus
For Andes virus, close, prolonged person-to-person contact has been reported to transmit infection. This is rare for hantaviruses overall, but it is the reason WHO and ECDC monitor MV Hondius contacts directly.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Testing
Diagnosis usually requires public-health or specialised clinical laboratory testing (PCR, serology). Early diagnosis is hard because initial symptoms overlap with influenza.
Supportive Care
There is no licensed antiviral specifically for hantavirus. Treatment is supportive, with early oxygen, fluid management and intensive-care support when needed.
Key Facts Table
Transmission, Symptoms, and Risk
| Topic | Short answer | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main carrier | Wild rodents (deer mice, others) | Exposure usually starts there | CDC |
| Person-to-person | Rare; documented for Andes virus only | Reason for MV Hondius monitoring | WHO · CDC |
| Main syndromes | HPS in Americas; HFRS in Eurasia | Different organs affected | WHO |
| Treatment | Supportive ICU-level care | No specific antiviral approved | CDC |
| Public risk | Low for general population | Monitoring focuses on contacts | WHO · ECDC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Hantavirus fact sheet
World Health Organization · 2026-05-06
- Factsheet on orthohantavirus infections
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control · 2026-05-06
- About Hantavirus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · 2024-05-13
- About Andes Virus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · 2026-05-07