For information only. Guidance may change as this is a developing situation.
Hantavirus is a rare infection linked mainly to rodents, such as rats and mice. It can spread to people through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. This may happen by breathing in contaminated dust, touching contaminated areas, or through cuts, the eyes, or very rarely a rodent bite.
Why is hantavirus in the news?
UKHSA is monitoring an outbreak linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius. The outbreak has been identified as Andes hantavirus, a strain that has rarely spread between people through very close and prolonged contact. UKHSA advises that the risk to the wider UK public remains very low.
Can hantavirus spread between people?
Most hantaviruses do not spread from person to person. The Andes strain can do so rarely, but this is linked to very close contact, not everyday activities such as walking in public places, going to shops, schools or workplaces.
Symptoms of hantavirus
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, although they may take up to 40 days. Symptoms can include fever, extreme tiredness, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or shortness of breath. In some cases, hantavirus can cause severe breathing problems and may need hospital care.
Should people in the UK be worried?
For most people in the UK, the risk is very low. Andes hantavirus has never been found in UK rodents. The strain occasionally seen in the UK is Seoul hantavirus, which is linked to wild brown rats or pet rats and has not been shown to spread between people.
What should you do?
You do not need to take extra precautions unless you are contacted by public health teams or have been advised that you may have been exposed. Public health teams are following up people who may be at risk.
If you feel seriously unwell, have breathing difficulties, or are concerned after possible exposure, contact NHS 111 for advice. Call 999 in a medical emergency.
Further information
For the latest official updates, visit the UKHSA blog on hantavirus and the UKHSA update about the cruise ship outbreak:
