Hantavirus, which can cause severe kidney and respiratory problems in humans, is a serious viral infection. Prof. Dr. Özlem Alıcı, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist at Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital, explains what you need to know about hantavirus.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a zoonotic RNA virus primarily transmitted to humans from rodents. It can cause severe and, in some cases, fatal infections in humans.

What are the Clinical Syndromes of Hantavirus?

Hantaviruses cause two main clinical syndromes depending on the geographical region. These clinical syndromes are divided into Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome and Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome:

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

This syndrome is seen in Europe and Asia. It is characterized by fever, hypotension (low blood pressure), bleeding tendency, and acute kidney failure.

Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS)

This syndrome is seen in the Americas. It is characterized by rapidly developing pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), respiratory failure, and shock. The mortality rate is high.

Has Hantavirus Been Seen in Turkey?

Hantavirus in Turkey has been seen since the early 2000s, especially in the Black Sea region. The first confirmed cases drew attention as clusters, and sporadic cases have continued to be reported in subsequent years. The majority of cases presented with the "Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)" picture.
Virus circulation is facilitated in the Black Sea region due to the presence of dense forested areas, humid climatic conditions, widespread rural life, and frequent contact with storage areas and barns. Although hantavirus infection is rarely seen in Turkey, it is a zoonotic infection that carries potential risk.

What are the Symptoms of Hantavirus?

Hantavirus symptoms vary in the initial and advanced stages. The incubation period is usually 1-8 weeks. Early symptoms of hantavirus may include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Malaise / weakness
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Symptoms in the advanced stages may include:

Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Acute kidney failure
Bleeding findings (hemorrhagic manifestations)

How is Hantavirus Diagnosed?

Clinical suspicion and a history of rodent contact are important for diagnosing hantavirus. For diagnosis:

Serological tests (IgM/IgG)
RT-PCR can be used.

How is Hantavirus Infection Transmitted?

The question "Is Hantavirus contagious?" has become one of the frequently asked questions recently. This contagious virus is most commonly transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols contaminated with the urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents. Transmission can also occur, more rarely, through a rodent bite.
Caution should be exercised when cleaning areas containing mouse feces or urine. These areas should not be swept, dry-cleaned, or cleaned using pressurized air. This is because infected particles can become airborne as aerosols and cause transmission through inhalation.
With the correct cleaning method, the area should first be wetted with a disinfectant containing bleach, then cleaned by wiping using gloves and, if possible, a mask.

What is the Treatment for Hantavirus?

There is no specific antiviral treatment or widely used licensed vaccine for hantavirus treatment. Therefore, supportive treatment is applied to alleviate the patient's symptoms and support their recovery. In severe cases, respiratory support is administered.

What are the Ways to Prevent Hantavirus?

The main approach to prevention is to reduce contact with rodents. The most important step for ways to prevent hantavirus is rodent control. Rodent control should be carried out in homes, storage areas, barns, and granaries; food should not be left uncovered, and garbage should be kept in closed containers. The main precautions that can be taken to protect against hantavirus are: