Hantaviruses

Hantavirus is an enveloped negative ssRNA virus from the Bunyaviridae family. This zoonotic pathogen is a threat to the global public health. Each year, 200000 infection cases would be reported worldwide. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) found majorly in Europe and Asia and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) found majorly in Americas, are the two major types of Hantavirus human infections. HFRS has mortality rate of roughly 1–15% while HPS has a mortality rate reaching up to 60% based on the outbreaks. Rodents transmit Hantavirus, while humans can transmit Andes virus (a type of Hantavirus). Clinical results are significantly correlated with early clinical signs and symptoms, access to fast diagnostic testing, and timely transfer to a facility that offer critical care. There is currently no vaccine or approved treatment for HPS/HFRS, but some drugs have been showing potential in increasing the survival rates if administered early.