Hantavirus infection: global overview and current situation in Spain

Area of Science:

• * Virology and Zoonotic Diseases
• * Public Health and Epidemiology

Background:

• * Hantaviruses are rodent-borne zoonotic RNA viruses with global distribution.
• * Over 20 pathogenic species cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) or Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS).
• * Infection occurs via inhalation of aerosols from infected rodent excreta; rare person-to-person transmission exists.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review current knowledge on hantavirus biology, reservoirs, transmission, and epidemiology.
• * To summarize clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• * To focus on the hantavirus situation in Spain.

Main Methods:

• * Comprehensive literature review of hantavirus research.
• * Analysis of epidemiological and ecological data, particularly from Spain.
• * Synthesis of information on diagnostic methods and clinical management.

Main Results:

• * Hantavirus infections are underdiagnosed globally due to asymptomatic or nonspecific cases.
• * Diagnosis relies on serological and molecular techniques.
• * Evidence confirms hantavirus circulation in Spanish animal reservoirs and humans over three decades.

Conclusions:

• * Hantavirus disease remains uncommon but present in Spain, requiring improved diagnostic awareness.
• * No universally effective antiviral therapy exists; supportive care is crucial.
• * Continued surveillance and development of preventive/therapeutic strategies are vital public health priorities.