The first member of the Hantavirus family was identified in 1978 and there are now many types recognised. Hantavirus infection is a zoonosis acquired from rodents. UK surveillance data is limited but certain occupationally-exposed groups are known to have hantavirus antibodies. Rodents excrete virus in urine and faeces while remaining apparently well and humans acquire infection by inhalation or direct inoculation. Transmission from person to person has not been documented.
Most human infections are silent.
Pulmonary oedema and frank shock may feature. The haemorrhagic element is due to thromobocytopaenia, though substantial haemorrhage is uncommon. Laboratory confirmation is by serology and the outcome of the illness may be influenced favourably by intravenous Ribavirin. Death is from non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and the adult respiratory distress syndrome. In Europe, in 1993, documented hantavirus infection has been commonest in Germany and The Netherlands.