Reference

Transmission

Important: This page summarises what official health authorities have published about hantavirus transmission. It is not medical advice. If you believe you were exposed, contact your local health authority immediately.

Hantaviruses are primarily zoonotic — they are carried by rodents and transmitted to humans. The information below reflects what ECDC, WHO, and CDC have published. Follow the links to read their full descriptions.

Rodent-to-human transmission

According to all three authorities, the primary route of infection is inhalation of aerosolised particles from the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. This commonly occurs when disturbing contaminated material in enclosed spaces such as sheds, barns, cabins, or areas with rodent infestations. Less frequently, transmission can occur through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, ingestion of contaminated food, or bites and scratches from infected rodents.

Different hantavirus strains are carried by different rodent species. In Europe, the bank vole is the main reservoir for Puumala virus. In North America, the deer mouse carries Sin Nombre virus. In South America, the long-tailed pygmy rice rat is the primary host for Andes virus. Each authority publishes details on the rodent reservoirs relevant to their region.

Human-to-human transmission

European and North American hantaviruses are not known to spread from person to person. The one documented exception is Andes virus: both WHO and ECDC confirm that limited person-to-person transmission has been observed, typically requiring close and prolonged contact with an infected individual. This includes direct physical contact, prolonged time in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to body fluids.

In the context of the May 2026 cruise-ship cluster, ECDC has noted that person-to-person spread of Andes virus remains uncommon and is unlikely to cause widespread outbreaks when infection prevention measures are in place.

No insect-borne transmission

ECDC states explicitly that no insects are known to carry or transmit hantaviruses.

Prevention

All three authorities agree that in the absence of a licensed vaccine (no vaccine is currently approved for use in Europe or the Americas), prevention centres on avoiding contact with rodents and their excreta. Key measures described by official sources include rodent control, proper ventilation and wet-cleaning of contaminated areas (not sweeping or vacuuming), use of gloves and masks during clean-up, and safe food storage. For details on prevention guidance, see the official sources linked below.

Official sources

Medical disclaimer: This page provides references to official publications for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See our full medical disclaimer.

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