Hantavirus
What you need to know.
This page contains information to help you understand Hantavirus.
This page is in an Easy to Read format.
We are updating this page as new information and facts are known.
Always follow official health advice.
Key Facts
Hantavirus is a group of viruses.
It is carried by rodents like mice and rats.
People get it from contact with rodent urine, droppings (poo), or saliva (spit).
You can get it by breathing in tiny particles in the air (for example, when cleaning).
It is rare in the UK, and the risk to most people is very low.
It can cause serious illness and sometimes death, but this is uncommon.
Most types do not spread between people.
Illness
Hantavirus can cause two main illnesses:
- A lung illness
- A kidney illness
The illness can range from:
- To severe and life‑threatening
- Mild (like flu)
Hantavirus Symptoms
Early symptoms (often like flu):
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Feeling sick (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain)
Later symptoms (more serious):
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Fluid in the lungs (makes it hard to breathe)
- Symptoms can start 1 to 8 weeks after contact with the virus.
Protect Yourself
Avoid contact with rodents and their droppings.
Keep homes clean and stop mice and rats getting inside.
Do not sweep or vacuum droppings (this can spread the virus in the air).
Clean safely using disinfectant and gloves.
Be careful when:
- Cleaning sheds, barns, or holiday homes
- Working in rural or dusty places
Treatment
There is no specific cure for hantavirus.
Treatment focuses on:
- Hospital care
- Helping with breathing (oxygen or ventilator)
- Treating symptoms early
Getting medical help early improves survival.
Advice and Support
You can find trusted information here:
- NHS (general health advice)
https://www.nhs.uk - UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency - World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/health-topics/hantavirus - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus - Speak to:
- Your GP
- NHS 111 (for urgent advice in the UK)
Resources
When we make easy read guides we always try to bring as many sources of information together as possible.
These sources can vary in detail. You can see where we found the information for this guide at the bottom of this page.
We want this guide to be correct, accurate and a reliable resource.
To do this we fact-check our work
Information and advice around health and well-being can change. Do we need to update this page or make changes? Contact us here.
Easy Read Training
In creating this information, we have referred to the following sources:
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
World Health Organization (WHO) – Hantavirus