Frequently asked questions
Key answers about transmission, symptoms, prevention and treatment – based on official sources (RKI, WHO, ECDC, CDC).
How is hantavirus transmitted?+
By inhaling dust contaminated with urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents – typically when cleaning sheds, attics or cabins. Bites are rare. Person-to-person transmission has only been documented for the Andes virus in South America.
How high is the risk of infection in Europe?+
Overall low. Risk is elevated in endemic regions during beech mast years, especially for forestry workers, farmers and during renovations of long-unused rooms.
Is there a vaccine against hantavirus?+
No vaccine is approved in Europe or the US. Vaccines against Hantaan and Seoul viruses are used in China and South Korea. Several mRNA and vector candidates are in clinical development.
How is hantavirus treated?+
There is no specific antiviral therapy. Treatment is supportive: fluid and electrolyte management, dialysis for severe HFRS, mechanical ventilation or ECMO for HPS.
What is the incubation period?+
Usually 2–4 weeks; range 1–6 weeks. HPS often has a shorter incubation (1–2 weeks) than HFRS.
How can I protect myself?+
Prevent rodent infestations, store food securely, ventilate before cleaning unused rooms, disinfect surfaces (don't sweep dry dust), wear FFP2/FFP3 masks and gloves.
Where does the data on this map come from?+
We aggregate public bulletins from WHO, ECDC, CDC, RKI, PAHO and ProMED-mail, plus multilingual news via Google News. See the Sources page for the full list.
How fresh is the data?+
The live map refreshes every 30 minutes. Official agency bulletins are typically published weekly.