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15 March 2010

Hantavirus in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

An increased number of hantavirus infections have been reported in the state of Baden- Württemberg in south-west Germany [1]. As of 24 February 2010, 85 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year. The highest number of cases previously reported in the area was in 2007 when a total of 127 cases were reported [2].

There is concern that the number of cases will continue to increase during the coming months. The unusually high number of cases is thought to be due to an increase in the red-backed vole population in the area.  Voles are one of the main reservoirs for hantavirus.

Hantavirus infection

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses belonging to the family Bunyaviridae and rodents are the reservoir hosts. Humans acquire hantaviruses when they inhale virus particles from rodent excreta (urine, faeces or saliva).

Hantaviruses cause two major clinical syndromes, although there can be a spectrum of severity: haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Puumala hantavirus is the most common hantavirus infection in Europe and usually causes a mild form of HFRS. Symptoms of Puumala hantavirus occur one to four weeks following exposure and include fever, headache, myalgia, gastrointestinal upset, eye pain and blurred vision, and have a case fatality rate of less than one percent.

No specific treatment is available and most cases resolve spontaneously over two to three weeks.

Advice for travellers

The risk of hantavirus infection in most travellers is low. However, those who may be in close proximity with rodents, such as travellers undertaking activities in rural areas e.g. camping, should take the following precautions:

  • Avoid direct contact with rodents or their excreta
  • Areas used by rodents should be cleaned with disinfectant and then vacuumed whilst wearing a mask and gloves.
  • Take measures to avoid attracting rodents, such as keeping food covered and not storing firewood inside.

There is no vaccine to protect against hantavirus infection.

Information on the specific health risks for travellers to Germany can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages.

Reference

1. Stuttgart Regional Council. Increased occurrence of hantavirus disease in Baden-Wuerttemberg observed. 24 February 2010. [Accessed 12 March 2010]. [In German] Available at: http://www.rpstuttgart.de/servlet/PB/menu/1308512/index.htm

2. Koch J, Brockmann SO, Winter C, Kimmig P, Stark K. Significant increase of hantavirus infections in Germany since the beginning of 2007. Euro Surveill. 2007; 12(18):pii,3185. [Accessed 12 March 2010]. Available at: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=3185

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