hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

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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What is hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome?

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.

Symptoms

  • Sudden onset of high fever, chills, and headache.
  • Intense muscle aches, back pain, and abdominal pain.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing.
  • Decreased urine output (oliguria) and signs of acute kidney injury (renal failure).
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension).
  • Hemorrhagic manifestations such as petechiae (small red spots), bleeding from gums or nose, and sometimes internal bleeding.

Transmission

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

Prevention

  • Avoid contact with rodents, their urine, feces, or nesting materials.
  • Seal holes and gaps in homes and workplaces to prevent rodent entry.
  • Clean up rodent droppings and urine carefully using wet methods and disinfectants to avoid aerosolizing particles.
  • Store food in rodent-proof containers and keep outdoor areas free of debris.
  • *Vaccines* are available in some highly endemic regions (e.g., China, South Korea) for high-risk populations.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

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.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome prevention helps protect you and your community:

  • Avoid contact with rodents, their urine, feces, or nesting materials.
  • Seal holes and gaps in homes and workplaces to prevent rodent entry.
  • Clean up rodent droppings and urine carefully using wet methods and disinfectants to avoid aerosolizing particles.
  • Store food in rodent-proof containers and keep outdoor areas free of debris.
  • *Vaccines* are available in some highly endemic regions (e.g., China, South Korea) for high-risk populations.
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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources โ†’

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources โ†’

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

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: 2026-06-03

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