09/05/2026
Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that naturally infect rodents and can occasionally spread to people.
While rare, hantavirus infections can be serious β and in some cases fatal. The good news is that understanding how transmission happens is the most powerful tool we have for prevention.
Here is what everyone should know:
πΉ What they are: A family of viruses carried by rodents found across the world
πΉ How they spread: Through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva β most often by inhaling contaminated particles
πΉ Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches and fatigue that can progress rapidly to severe respiratory or kidney complications depending on the region
πΉ Prevention: Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings, seal entry points in your home and take precautions when cleaning areas where rodents may have been present.
There is currently no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Early medical care significantly improves outcomes.
Read the full World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet: bit.ly/4wgAha0
World Health Organization (WHO)