hantavirus

Hantavirus

Hantaviruses, which are primarily transmitted to humans by infected rodents, cause infections of varying severity. Simple precautions can help reduce the risk of infection.

Our Missions

  • Epidemiological surveillance of hantavirus infections in collaboration with the National Hantavirus Reference Center and its associated laboratory in French Guiana

  • Recommendations on preventive measures

  • Providing information to public authorities, healthcare professionals, and the general public

In brief

Videos, infographics, key statistics, expert interviews… Find the latest news and key information on hantaviruses here

3

zoonotic hantavirus strains in mainland France (Puumala, Seoul, Tula)

~100

Average number of FHSR cases detected in mainland France

The disease

A viral zoonosis

Hantaviruses are viruses of the Bunyaviridae family and are found on every continent. Their natural hosts are certain species of rodents which, once infected, remain asymptomatic carriers (the virus is present in their urine and feces) and serve as an excellent reservoir for...

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What We Do

Hantaviruses can cause two types of infection in humans: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Europe and Asia, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the Americas and, consequently, in French Guiana.

These infections can be severe or even fatal and, although rare, pose a public...

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Data

In mainland France, from 2005 to 2024, 2,046 cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in mainland France were diagnosed by the National Reference Center (CNR) for Hantaviruses (Institut Pasteur), with a peak in 2021 (320 cases) and a low in 2013 (14 cases).
The geographic...

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Tools

Here you will find the resources (videos, TV spots, radio spots) and prevention materials made available to healthcare professionals and the general public

depliant/flyer

Hantavirus infections caused by the Puumala virus in France

Hantaviruses, which are transmitted to humans by certain species of infected rodents—primarily through inhalation of their droppings—cause infections of varying severity. This flyer provides...

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Publications

Find here the latest scientific publications related to the studies and research conducted by Santé publique France

2 publications