Hantaviruses are viruses transmitted primarily by certain wild rodentsHumans can be contaminated by inhaling particles urine samples, saliva or of infected rodent excrement, particularly in poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces (cellars, attics, sheds, farm buildings, etc.). "Hantavirus is not an emerging virus," the [organization] reminds us. Professor Anne Goffard, physician, virologist at University Hospital of Lille, teacher at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Lille and virology researcher at Lille Infection and Immunity Center (CIIL) at the Pasteur Institute of Lille.
In Europe, and particularly in northeastern France, the main hantavirus found is the virus Puumalacarried by a small rodent: the bank vole. The Hauts-de-France region, in particular Avesnois and part of the Nord department, is part of the French zones historical endemicity for this virusThe infection can cause a condition called "epidemic nephropathy," which typically involves fever, muscle pain, severe fatigue, and transient kidney damage. In rare cases, more severe forms can occur.
Hantaviruses circulating in the Americas can, however, cause severe lung damage, sometimes responsible for severe respiratory syndromesThis is the form that is implicated in the cases recently reported on board from the MV Hondius cruise ship sailing between Argentina and Europe, where several deaths Cases of severe respiratory distress have been reported in recent days. Andean virus, identified in several patients, is one of the few hantaviruses for which limited human-to-human transmission has already been described. In Latin AmericaIn areas where infections are increasing, the WHO recently called for strengthened epidemiological surveillance of this disease, some forms of which present high lethalityHowever, to date, the epidemic risk is considered by the WHO as relatively low.
The mode of transmission does not correspond to classic respiratory transmission and relies primarily on close and prolonged contact. Human-to-human transmission remains rare. – Professor Anne Goffard.
Prevention relies primarily on reducing exposure to rodents and their excrement : ventilate enclosed premises before cleaning, avoid aerosolizing dust from potentially contaminated floors, wear gloves and, if necessary, a mask, and limit rodent access to homes and storage areas.
A vigilance that is part of a broader reflection “These viruses remind us of the importance of the balance between human activities, biodiversity and ecosystems,” emphasizes Professor Anne Goffard.
Even though cases remain rare in France, a little over 2 000 case having been counted in one twenty yearsHantaviruses are the subject of of careful monitoring particularly in endemic areas due to the close links between human health, the environment, and biodiversity. 33 institutes of the international network Pasteur Institutes are fully mobilized to fight these diseases on a global scale.
These infections fully illustrate the importance of an integrated approach. One Health at the intersection human, animal and environmental health, and echo the themes addressed during the Spring of Prevention 2025 organized by the Pasteur Institute of Lille and dedicated to environmental health.
This article was written with the contribution of Professor Anne Goffart (physician, virologist at the University Hospital of Lille, virology researcher at the CIIL at the Pasteur Institute of Lille), Professor Frédéric Batteux (Director General of the Pasteur Institute of Lille) and Dr. François Trottein (Research Director at the CNRS at the Pasteur Institute of Lille).
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience symptoms, consult a doctor.
FAQ – Hantavirus
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses transmitted primarily by some wild rodentsHumans can become infected by inhaling particles from their urine, saliva, and feces, particularly in poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces (cellars, attics, sheds, farm buildings). This is not an emerging virus: it has been circulating globally for a long time and is the subject of epidemiological monitoring, even though cases remain rare
In Europe, the infection linked to the virus Puumala causes a form called " epidemic nephropathy Symptoms most often include fever, muscle pain, significant fatigue, and transient kidney damage. In rare cases, more severe forms can occur. Hantaviruses from the Americas (particularly the Andean virus) can cause serious lung damage, sometimes leading to severe respiratory syndromes.
Contamination occurs primarily through inhalation of dust contaminated by excrement (Urine, saliva, excrement) of infected rodents, especially in poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces. Human-to-human transmission remains rare: it has only been documented for a few hantaviruses, primarily the Andean virus in South America, through close and prolonged contact. This is not an efficient and sustained transmission comparable to that of highly contagious respiratory viruses.
Yes, but in a localized way. In Europe and especially in the northeastern FranceThe main hantavirus found is the virus Puumala, carried by the bank vole. The Hauts-de-France region, particularly the Avesnois area and part of the Nord department, are among the historical French endemic areas. A few cases can also be recorded in the neighboring forested regions (Ardennes, Champagne, Franche-Comté).
The Cases remain rare in France : a little over 2,000 cases have been recorded in about twenty years, which represents approximately one hundred cases per year, mainly in the endemic areas of the northeastHowever, there is significant variability depending on the year and the dynamics of rodent populations. Hantaviruses are subject to careful epidemiological surveillance due to the close links between human health, the environment, and biodiversity.
No. Hantaviruses are not transmitted like a respiratory virus that spreads easily from person to person: contamination occurs through rodents and their droppings, and the Human-to-human transmission is exceptionalUnlike respiratory viruses such as influenza or SARS-CoV-2, hantaviruses do not circulate efficiently between humans. To date, available data from several public health organizations, including the WHO, indicate a low risk of an epidemic. There are no specific containment measures in place in France or Europe.
Each hantavirus is associated with a rodent reservoirIn France and Europe, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) is the main carrier of the virus PuumalaOther rodents (field mice, rats) may be involved depending on the region of the world. Infected rodents generally do not show symptoms, but excrete the virus in their urine, saliva, and feces.
There is no specific antiviral treatment in routine practice. Management is based on symptomatic treatment (hydration, analgesics/antipyretics, monitoring of renal function and hydration status, and, depending on the form, respiratory support). Prompt medical consultation is recommended in cases of high fever associated with severe fatigue and muscle pain following possible exposure to rodents, especially in endemic areas.
There is no vaccine against hantavirus is only available in France or in the European UnionSome vaccines are used locally in Asia against certain hantaviruses, but they do not target the viruses circulating in Europe (viruses of Puumala) and in America (Andean virus). Prevention therefore relies primarily on reducing exposure to rodents and their droppings.
The vast majority of infections in hantavirus of Puumala in Europe are evolving favorablywith transient kidney damage. Severe forms remain rare. Hantaviruses present on the American continent, notably the Andean virus, however, can cause more serious pulmonary formswith a higher mortality rate. Early medical intervention improves the prognosis in all cases.
Le Andean virus is a New World hantavirus found in South America, capable of causing severe lung damage. It has been identified in the cases recently reported on board the MV Hondius cruise ship traveling between Argentina and Europe, where several deaths related to severe respiratory distress have been reported. It is one of the few hantaviruses for which limited human-to-human transmission has been described.
Prevention is based on reduction of exposure to rodents and their droppings Ventilate enclosed spaces (cellars, attics, sheds, farm buildings) before cleaning, avoid dry sweeping infested areas to prevent aerosolizing contaminated dust into the air, wear gloves and, if necessary, a mask, and limit rodent access to homes and storage areas. These simple steps greatly reduce the risk of contamination.
