Hantavirus

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is one of the four genera of Bunyaviruses. It is predominantly spread by rodents and it generally tends to target the lungs and pulmonary system. It is named for the Han River, where the first species (Hantaan virus, Korean Hemorrhagic Fever) was first isolated.

Hantaviruses are a relatively newly discovered class of virus that was first found duning the Korean War.

In 1993, a species of Hantavirus was found to be behind HPS (caused by the Sin Nombre hantavirus) outbreak in New Mexico.

Some have also been found to target the kidney and are suspected to be one of the causes of kidney disease, especially among city dwellers who have contact with rodents.

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