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Hantaviruses are a family of rodent-borne viruses (genus Orthohantavirus, family Hantaviridae). In humans they cause two main syndromes: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), seen mostly in the Americas, and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), seen mostly in Eurasia. Different rodent species carry different hantaviruses, and human infection follows from breathing in or coming into contact with infectious rodent excreta.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) usually begins 1 to 8 weeks after exposure to infected rodents. Early symptoms are non-specific and flu-like; the disease can then progress rapidly to a severe lung phase. Anyone with these symptoms after potential rodent exposure should seek medical care.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) usually begins 1 to 2 weeks after exposure (occasionally up to 8 weeks). Severity ranges from mild (often Puumala, sometimes called nephropathia epidemica) to severe (Hantaan, Dobrava). Anyone with these symptoms after potential rodent exposure should seek medical care.

Humans most often become infected by breathing in air contaminated with virus from infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva, typically when these are stirred up in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. Direct contact with rodents, their nesting material or rare bites can also transmit the virus.

Prevention focuses on keeping rodents out of buildings, cleaning rodent-contaminated areas safely, and ventilating enclosed spaces before working in them. Dry sweeping or vacuuming should be avoided because it can aerosolize the virus.

Each hantavirus is associated with a primary rodent reservoir, and human risk maps onto the geography of that species. Rodents carry the virus chronically without being visibly ill.

Hantavirus infection is confirmed in the laboratory rather than clinically. The most common tests detect IgM and IgG antibodies against the virus, supplemented in many settings by PCR for viral RNA or by Western blot.

There is no specific, broadly approved antiviral treatment for hantavirus disease. Care is supportive and focused on early hospital recognition, oxygenation, fluid balance and intensive care for severe cases.

Hantavirus is a real but uncommon zoonotic disease. Responsible public communication focuses on accurate information, calm framing, and clear actions people can take in their environment, rather than on speculation or comparisons to unrelated outbreaks.