Definition

Hantavirus infections are caused by a group of viruses known as hantaviruses. These viruses cause two serious illnesses in humans. They are hemorrhagic (pronounced heh-meh-RA-jik) fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Description

Hantaviruses live in rodents, such as rats and mice, without causing any symptoms. The viruses can be transmitted (passed on to) humans by way of urine, feces, or saliva from the rodents. Five different kinds of hantaviruses have been discovered so far. Each is found in a different geographical region and in different kinds of rodents. As an example, the virus known as the hantaan virus is carried by the striped field mouse. It is found primarily in Korea, China, East Russia, and the Balkans. This virus causes HFRS. Another type of hantavirus is called the Sin Nombre virus. It is carried by the deer mouse and found primarily...