What Is Hantavirus and How Dangerous Is It?
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
In recent weeks, hantavirus has returned to international headlines after reports of infections and deaths linked to a cruise ship.
For many people in Spain, the virus remains largely unknown and concerning at the same time.
The short answer is yes: hantavirus can be dangerous. However, it is very different from COVID-19 or influenza. It does not spread easily between people. The main risk comes from rodents.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses from the Hantaviridae family carried mainly by mice, rats and other rodents.
Animals may spread the virus through:
• urine;
• saliva;
• droppings.
Humans usually become infected by inhaling contaminated dust.
Risk situations include:
• cleaning old garages;
• closed storage rooms;
• warehouses;
• rural buildings;
• places where rodents were present.
Why Is It Considered Dangerous?
One of the main problems is that early symptoms may resemble the flu.
Common symptoms include:
• high fever;
• severe fatigue;
• muscle pain;
• headache;
• chills;
• nausea;
• back pain.
In some cases, the patient’s condition worsens rapidly.
Certain forms of hantavirus infection may cause:
• severe lung damage;
• respiratory failure;
• vascular complications;
• kidney problems.
According to international medical organizations, some hantavirus strains have relatively high mortality rates.
Does It Spread Between People?
In most cases, no.
This is one of the major differences compared to coronavirus infections.
The main source of infection remains exposure to infected rodents or contaminated environments.
Scientists have documented rare person-to-person transmission cases in South America, although experts do not consider hantavirus a global pandemic threat.
Is There a Risk in Spain?
Cases in Spain remain rare, but the risk cannot be completely ruled out.
According to Spanish experts and recent reports, fewer than 20 confirmed hantavirus cases have been recorded in Spain over the past decade.
Most cases were isolated and associated with:
• rural areas;
• closed buildings;
• rodent exposure.
No major outbreaks have been reported in the country.
Experts still recommend caution when cleaning:
• old houses;
• garages;
• warehouses;
• storage rooms;
• rural properties.
How Should Cleaning Be Done?
Doctors do not recommend:
• sweeping dry rodent droppings;
• using vacuum cleaners in contaminated areas.
This may spread infected particles into the air.
Recommended precautions include:
• ventilating rooms first;
• using gloves and masks;
• wet cleaning methods;
• disinfecting surfaces;
• washing hands thoroughly afterward.
Is There a Treatment or Vaccine?
There is currently no universal cure for hantavirus.
Treatment is mainly supportive:
• respiratory monitoring;
• kidney support;
• intensive care in severe cases.
There is also no universal international vaccine available.
Should People Panic?
No.
For most people in Spain, the overall risk remains low.
However, the infection should not be underestimated. Anyone experiencing high fever, severe weakness or breathing problems after exposure to rodent-contaminated areas should seek medical attention.
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