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Hantaviruses

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) 

Hantavirus
(Hantaviruses, Hantavirus, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, HPS)

Hantavirus pulmonary (relating to the lungs) syndrome (HPS) is an infectious disease that can cause death. It spreads to people by rodents, such as rats and mice. 

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread by rodents. They can cause many different disease syndromes in people worldwide.  Infection with any hantavirus can produce hantavirus disease in people. Hantaviruses in the Americas, called “New World” hantaviruses, may cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). In Europe and Asia, there are other hantaviruses known as the “Old World" type. These hantaviruses may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) (internal bleeding with kidney problems).

General Information and Resources

Mailing Address

Department of State Health Services
Zoonosis Control Branch
PO BOX 149347 - Mail Code: 1956
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Physical Address

Department of State Health Services
Zoonosis Control Branch
1100 W. 49th Street, Suite T-502
Austin, TX 78756-3199
United States