Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is caused by the Hantaviruses, a group enveloped RNA viruses transmitted through contact with infected rodent urine or feces. Although distributed widely through Europe, Asia, and the New World, infections acquired in Korea, China, and Russia tend to be among the most severe. The initial presentation of HFRS is extremely variable, but generally includes fever, malaise, headache and abdominal pain. Laboratory findings that may lead to the diagnosis include thrombocytopenia, azotemia, elevated serum creatinine, or proteinuria. We present the case of a patient that acquired hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in South Korea.