Is Hantavirus Transmitted from Person to Person?

Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu stated, "Due to the transmission dynamics of hantavirus, the risk of it causing a large-scale pandemic is low. We do not expect a pandemic because the virus is primarily transmitted through rodents and person-to-person spread is extremely limited."
Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist at Yeditepe University Hospitals, said: "Hantaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses carried by rodents and some insectivorous animals. This group of viruses, belonging to the Bunyaviridae family, can cause various diseases in humans with their different species. To date, at least 40 hantavirus species have been identified, and it is known that at least 22 of them can cause disease in humans. Each hantavirus type is typically associated with a specific rodent species, and the virus continues to circulate in nature among these animals."
Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu continued: "The virus takes its name from the Hantaan River, where it was first isolated. It was isolated in 1978 by Ho Wang Lee from a rodent living around this river in Korea and introduced to the scientific world. This discovery was an important turning point in understanding the cause of the disease. Hantavirus is not a new virus. The disease first drew attention during the Korean War. At that time, cases characterized by high fever, severe bleeding, and kidney failure were seen among American soldiers, and the disease was called 'Korean Hemorrhagic Fever.' The US Army recorded more than 3,500 cases and approximately 400 deaths between 1951-1952. After the war, due to troop movement and logistical activities, symptoms of the disease began to be seen in different parts of the world."

Is Hantavirus Present in Turkey?

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu said, "Depending on their geographical distribution and virus type, hantaviruses cause two main clinical syndromes: Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) is mainly seen in the Americas. Lung involvement is predominant. The disease has a sudden onset and can worsen rapidly. Cough, shortness of breath, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and circulatory failure may develop. The mortality rate for this form is quite high. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) is common in Europe and Asia. It is characterized by kidney involvement. Patients may experience low blood pressure, bleeding tendency, and kidney failure. Reported cases in Turkey are generally consistent with this clinical picture."

How is Hantavirus Transmitted?

Answering the question 'How is Hantavirus Transmitted?', Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu stated that hantaviruses are mostly transmitted to humans through rodents: "The virus, which is spread into the environment through the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents, can dry and become airborne, passing to humans through the respiratory tract. Transmission can occur through inhalation of contaminated particles, contact with rodent waste, and rarely through rodent bites. Cleaning enclosed, poorly ventilated areas, being in rodent-infested environments, and activities such as farming and forestry increase the risk of transmission. Generally, hantaviruses are not transmitted between humans. However, for the Andes virus found in the Americas, person-to-person transmission has been reported, although rare. It is reported that this transmission usually occurs through prolonged contact among people living in the same household or close contacts."

When Do Hantavirus Symptoms Begin?

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu answered the frequently asked question, "When do Hantavirus symptoms begin?" as follows: "Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 8 weeks after exposure to the virus. Early symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Advanced symptoms in HCPS:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Pulmonary edema

Advanced symptoms in HFRS:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Bleeding disorders
• Kidney failure

The disease can rapidly worsen in some patients and become life-threatening. Early diagnosis of hantavirus infection can be difficult because the symptoms resemble many other diseases. Therefore, the patient's history is very important. In particular, rodent contact, occupational risks, and travel history should be questioned. Diagnostic methods include serological tests (detection of IgM and IgG antibodies) and demonstration of viral RNA by PCR. Laboratory work requires high biosafety precautions."

What is the Number of Hantavirus Cases?

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu said: "There is no approved specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infection. Treatment is completely supportive. Respiratory support, fluid and electrolyte balance, monitoring of kidney function, and intensive care support are provided when necessary. Early appropriate medical intervention increases the chance of survival, especially in severe cases. Although hantavirus infections are rare, they cause thousands of cases worldwide each year. The estimated annual number of cases is around 10,000 - 100,000. The vast majority of cases are seen in Asia and Europe. Although there are fewer cases in the Americas, the disease is more severe. Mortality rates range from 1-15% in Europe and Asia, and 20-50% in the Americas."
Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu continued: "Hantavirus infections are seen in different regions around the world. China has the highest number of cases. South Korea regularly reports cases. Thousands of cases are seen in Northern and Central Europe every year. South America has fewer cases but a higher mortality rate. The number of hantavirus cases in Turkey has been reported since 2009. Between 2009 and 2025, the number of annual cases ranged from 4 to 58. Cases seen in Turkey are generally of the HFRS form, which involves kidney involvement. Groups at risk for hantavirus infection include farmers, forestry workers, warehouse, barn, and enclosed area workers, and those at risk of contact with rodents. Additionally, people who clean spaces that have been closed for a long time are also in the risk group."

What to Do to Protect Against Hantavirus?

Prof. Dr. Sönmezoğlu said: "Living spaces should be kept clean. Rodent entry should be prevented. Food should be stored safely. Dust formation should be prevented during cleaning. Contaminated areas should be moistened before cleaning. Hand hygiene should be observed."