Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a rare viral infection that is mainly spread through contact with rodents or their urine, droppings or saliva. Different hantaviruses occur in different parts of the world and can cause illnesses ranging from mild flu like symptoms to more severe disease affecting the lungs (American hantaviruses) or kidneys (European and Asian hantaviruses). Most hantaviruses do not spread from person to person; however, one hantavirus found in South America, known as Andes hantavirus, has been associated with limited person to person transmission. Hantavirus infections are very rare in Ireland and limited to those returning from affected areas, but cases are monitored closely by public health.