Hantaviruses: An emerging global challenge in modern public health: A mini review

Abstract

Hantaviruses are emerging zoonotic pathogens that represent a significant global threat due to their expanding geographic distribution, broad host range, and potential to cause severe disease in humans, with a case fatality rate of <1–15% in Asia and Europe and up to 50% in the Americas. These viruses are primarily transmitted via aerosolised excreta from infected rodents, although insectivores and bats have also been identified as potential reservoirs. Human infections can lead to two main clinical syndromes: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which is predominantly reported in Europe and Asia, and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), primarily occurring in the Americas. Several factors contribute to the rising incidence and spread of hantavirus infections worldwide, including climate change, environmental disturbances, urbanisation, habitat alteration, and increased human-animal interactions. This mini-review synthesises current understanding of hantavirus epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, highlighting their growing importance within the One Health framework.