Hantavirus

Hantavirus

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried mainly by rodents such as mice, rats and voles. People can become infected if they breathe in virus particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva, usually when contaminated dust is stirred up in enclosed spaces.

Different hantaviruses occur in different parts of the world and can cause illness ranging from mild flu‑like symptoms to more severe disease.

Is hantavirus present in Ireland?

Hantavirus infection is very rare in Ireland, but sporadic cases have occurred. These cases will have been infected in other countries. Hantaviruses are not found naturally in Ireland.

Where is hantavirus found?

Hantaviruses are found globally, but they are categorized into two main groups depending on where they live and how they affect the body. In the Americas, these are known as "New World" hantaviruses and are mostly carried by rodents like deer mice. This usually causes a serious lung infection called hanta pulmonary syndrome (HPS). While most hantaviruses only spread from animals to humans, a specific version in South America called the Andes virus is unique because it can occasionally spread between people.

In Europe and Asia, "Old World" hantaviruses are more common and typically cause a different illness that affects the kidneys. China sees the highest number of cases because of the specific mice that live there, while a milder version is often found in Northern Europe.

How do people catch hantavirus?

People usually become infected by:

• Breathing in contaminated dust from rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes
• Very rarely, through a rodent bite

This most often happens during activities such as cleaning sheds, barns, garages, holiday homes or other enclosed spaces where rodents may have been present.

Can hantavirus spread from person to person?

Most hantaviruses do not spread between people. Person to person spread only happens very rarely, and with only one type of hantavirus – the Andes hantavirus.

What are the symptoms of hantavirus infection?

Symptoms usually develop 1–4 weeks after exposure, though occasionally up to 8 weeks.

Early symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Extreme tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain

In more serious cases, people can develop:

• Shortness of breath or coughing
• Kidney problems
• Severe breathing difficulties requiring hospital care

People with hantavirus infection can deteriorate and become very unwell very quickly so seeking early medical help is important.

How serious is hantavirus infection?

The severity of hantavirus infection depends on the virus strain and the individual. Many infections are mild or moderate. Some forms, particularly those affecting the lungs, can be severe and life‑threatening. Severe illness is rare, especially in Europe. Most European cases involve kidney‑related illness rather than severe lung disease.

The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of severe infection.

Is there a treatment or vaccine?

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus.

Treatment focuses on supportive medical care, which may include hospital treatment for breathing or kidney problems. Early medical assessment improves outcomes.

Who is most at risk?

People at slightly higher risk include those who:

• Work or spend time in rural or agricultural settings
• Clean or renovate long‑unused buildings
• Have frequent contact with rodents or rodent‑infested environments

For people in Ireland, the overall risk remains extremely low if they do not travel to part of the world affected by hantavirus.

How can hantavirus infection be prevented?

When you are in a part of the world affected by hantavirus the most important things to prevent infection are:

• Avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings
• Ventilating enclosed spaces before cleaning
• Wearing gloves and avoiding sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings
• Using damp cleaning methods and disinfectant
• Washing hands thoroughly after cleaning
• Routine hygiene and rodent control are effective prevention measures.

What should I do if I’m concerned?

If you are in a part of the world affected by hantavirus and you develop symptoms after possible rodent exposure, seek medical advice

• Mention any relevant exposure (e.g. cleaning sheds, barns, holiday homes)

• There is no need for testing or treatment without symptoms

• Public health authorities will advise if any additional action is needed.

Last updated: 07 May 2026