Hantavirus is one of those diseases that often sparks fear whenever it appears in the news. Stories about rodents, severe lung infections, and rare outbreaks can quickly lead to confusion and misinformation online. While hantavirus can indeed be dangerous, many myths surrounding it exaggerate the actual risks or spread false information.
Understanding the facts is important for protecting yourself, your family, and your community. This article explains what hantavirus really is, how it spreads, common myths, symptoms, and what health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say about it.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses mainly carried by rodents such as rats and mice. Humans can become infected after coming into contact with infected rodents, especially through their urine, saliva, or droppings. -(World Health Organization)
According to the WHO, hantaviruses can cause severe illness and even death in humans. The diseases caused by hantavirus vary depending on the region of the world and the specific strain of the virus. -(World Health Organization).
There are two major forms of hantavirus disease:
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) or Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS) – mainly found in the Americas and affects the lungs and heart.
• Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) – more common in Europe and Asia and mainly affects the kidneys. -(World Health Organization)
Myth 1: Hantavirus Spreads Easily Between Humans
Fact: Most hantaviruses do not spread from person to person.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that hantaviruses are mainly spread through rodents. The WHO also confirms that human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and has only been documented with the Andes virus in South America. -(World Health Organization).
Even in the case of the Andes virus, transmission usually requires the following:
• Close contact
• Prolonged exposure
• Contact during the early stages of illness
This means hantavirus is very different from highly contagious respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 or influenza.
Myth 2: Every Mouse or Rat Carries Hantavirus
Fact: Not all rodents carry hantavirus.
Only certain rodent species are known carriers of particular hantaviruses. For example:
• In North America, the deer mouse is a major carrier.
• Different rodent species carry different strains in Asia, Europe, and South America. -(CDC)
Importantly, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently stated that there is currently no evidence of hantavirus cases in Nigeria, although monitoring and surveillance are ongoing.
While rodents should always be handled carefully, seeing a mouse in your environment does not automatically mean hantavirus is present.
Myth 3: Hantavirus Is a New Disease
Fact: Hantavirus has existed for decades.
Although recent news reports may make it seem new, hantaviruses have been recognised for many years. Large outbreaks of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) were documented in Asia decades ago, while hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) gained international attention in the United States during the early 1990s. -(CDC).
According to the WHO, thousands of cases are still reported annually in parts of Asia and Europe. -(World Health Organization)
Myth 4: Hantavirus Only Exists in Rural Areas
Fact: Although rural exposure is more common, hantavirus exposure can happen anywhere rodents are present.
People are at greater risk when:
• Cleaning poorly ventilated spaces
• Entering abandoned buildings
• Camping
• Working in farms or forests
• Living in rodent-infested environments
However, rodents can also enter urban homes, storage areas, offices, and warehouses. -(World Health Organization)
The real risk factor is rodent exposure, not simply living in rural areas.
Myth 5: If You Get Hantavirus, You Will Definitely Die
Fact: Hantavirus can be serious, but survival is possible with early medical care.
The WHO reports that HPS in the Americas can have a fatality rate of up to 50%, depending on the strain and healthcare access. Meanwhile, HFRS fatality rates range from less than 1% to around 15. -(World Health Organization).
The WHO does not report a specific HPS fatality rate for Nigeria because there are currently no confirmed hantavirus cases in the country.
These numbers sound frightening, but early diagnosis and supportive treatment improve survival chances significantly.
There is currently:
• No specific cure
• No licensed vaccine
• No guaranteed antiviral treatment
However, hospitals can provide:
• Oxygen therapy
• Intensive care
• Fluid management
• Kidney support where necessary (World Health Organization)
Myth 6: You Can Catch Hantavirus Just by Walking Past a Rodent
Fact: Casual exposure alone is unlikely to cause infection.
Most infections happen when virus particles from rodent waste become airborne and are inhaled. This often occurs during activities such as:
• Sweeping dusty areas with rodent droppings
• Cleaning sheds or cabins
• Disturbing contaminated materials
The CDC warns against vacuuming or dry sweeping rodent droppings because this can push contaminated particles into the air. -(World Health Organization)
Myth 7: Hantavirus Symptoms Appear Immediately
Fact: Symptoms may take weeks to appear.
According to the WHO, symptoms usually begin between one and eight weeks after exposure. -(World Health Organization)
Early symptoms often resemble flu or malaria, which can make diagnosis difficult.
Common early symptoms include:
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
As the illness worsens, some people may develop:
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid in the lungs
• Kidney problems
• Low blood pressure (World Health Organization)
Myth 8: Hantavirus Is Common Worldwide
Fact: Hantavirus infections are considered relatively uncommon.
The WHO estimates that globally between 10,000 and over 100,000 infections occur annually, with the largest burden found in Asia and Europe. -(World Health Organization)
Compared with illnesses such as influenza, malaria, or tuberculosis, hantavirus infections remain relatively rare.
Nevertheless, public health authorities monitor outbreaks carefully because severe cases can become life-threatening.
Final Thoughts
Hantavirus is a serious disease, but many fears surrounding it are based on myths rather than facts. The virus is primarily linked to rodent exposure, not casual human contact. While certain strains such as the Andes virus can rarely spread between people, this is uncommon and usually requires close prolonged contact.
The best protection is simple:
• Reduce rodent exposure
• Practice safe cleaning
• Maintain good hygiene
• Seek medical attention early if symptoms appear
Trusted information from organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps separate facts from fear.
Understanding the truth about hantavirus allows people to stay informed, prepared, and calm instead of panicking over misinformation online
