Rospotrebnadzor explained when hantavirus most often spreads among rodents

The peak spread of Andes hantavirus among rodents most often occurs in the summer. RIA Novosti reports this with reference to a scientific review by Rospotrebnadzor.

The document is devoted to the spread of hantavirus infection in the countries of the New World. Particular attention was paid to the Andes hantavirus. According to experts, in the summer the number of infected rodents can increase sharply. In the spring, the proportion of infected animals is up to 10-14%, in the summer the figure can rise to 60%, and in the fall decrease to 2%.

Rospotrebnadzor explained that this is due to the number of rodent carriers. It is also noted that hantavirus is more common in adult males, so it persists in the animal population.

Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through contact with rodents. Andes virus can infect the lungs and heart. Its main carrier is considered to be the long-tailed rice hamster. Other hantaviruses are more common on the Eurasian continent. They can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Their carriers are house mice and bank voles.

Earlier, an outbreak of hantavirus was detected on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius. The ship was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde. According to WHO, 11 cases of the disease were identified, nine were confirmed to be infected with the Andes virus. Three people died.