Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious infection transmitted to humans primarily through contact with infected rodents. At the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, we explain how hantavirus is transmitted, what symptoms it causes, how to prevent it, and in which countries it is most common.
Hantavirus infection occurs primarily through exposure to wild rodents (mice and rats). The main routes of infection are:
- Inhalation of dust contaminated with urine, feces, or saliva from infected rodents
- Contact with contaminated surfaces and subsequent contact with the mouth, nose or eyes
- Bites from infected rodents (rare)
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents. Since the hantaviruses present in Europe are not transmitted from person to person and no cases of infection have been detected in Spain, the overall risk of transmission of this disease is considered very low.
Hantavirus symptoms appear between 1 and 5 weeks after exposure and often resemble the flu:
- Sudden high fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
In some cases, it can progress to severe forms such as:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (breathing difficulty)
- Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (kidney involvement)
In case of severe symptoms or sudden worsening, it is necessary to seek urgent medical attention.
Hantavirus prevention is based on avoiding contact with rodents and their feces:
- Ventilate enclosed spaces (storage rooms, garages, warehouses) before cleaning
- Avoid dry sweeping: clean with water and disinfectant
- Use gloves and a face mask in high-risk areas
- Store food in sealed containers
- Do not accumulate waste that may attract rodents
Prevention is the best tool, since there is no widely available vaccine.
In very specific situations, such as with the Andes virus, transmission can occur through close contact, so healthcare teams implement specific preventive measures, similar to those used for other respiratory illnesses. Generally, these situations are controlled by epidemiological surveillance systems, which allow for the identification of cases, contact tracing, and the rapid and effective implementation of necessary measures.
Although rare, hantavirus can be serious and even fatal if not detected early. There is no specific antiviral treatment, but early hospital care improves the prognosis in the most severe cases.
Hantavirus is present worldwide, but with varying incidence:
- Europe: Germany, Finland, Sweden, France, Austria and Slovenia
- Asia: China, South Korea and Russia
- The Americas: United States, Canada, Argentina, Chile and Brazil
- Spain: very rare and generally isolated cases
The risk is related to activities such as hiking, agricultural work, or cleaning enclosed spaces.