Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a severe viral illness caused by hantaviruses. It primarily affects humans, especially in rural areas of Asia and Europe, leading to fever, bleeding disorders, and acute kidney damage. The disease's severity varies depending on the specific hantavirus type.
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HFRS has been recognized for centuries in East Asia but gained significant attention during the Korean War (1950s) due due to severe outbreaks among soldiers. The causative agent, *Hantaan virus*, was isolated in 1978 by Dr. Ho-Wang Lee, marking a major breakthrough in understanding and combating the disease.
HFRS is transmitted to humans primarily through the inhalation of aerosolized particles contaminated with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. Direct contact with infected rodents or their droppings, or consuming contaminated food or water, can also lead to infection. The disease is *not* transmitted from person to person.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome activity in the past 30 days.
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Currently, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.
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Even without active outbreaks, understanding hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome prevention helps protect you and your community:
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Trusted information from leading health organizations
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources →Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
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