Hantavirus in Germany.
Germany reports the highest Puumala virus case load in Europe outside of Finland and Sweden, with strong year-on-year variability driven by beech-mast cycles.
Germany reports the highest Puumala virus case load in Europe outside of Finland and Sweden, with strong year-on-year variability driven by beech-mast cycles. 2026 is a peak year following a heavy 2025 mast, with Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg reporting more than double their 5-year average through Q1. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) publishes weekly counts; nephropathia epidemica is notifiable. Outdoor workers, foresters, and hikers who handle firewood are the highest-risk groups. Case fatality is below 1% but acute kidney injury requiring dialysis occurs in roughly 5% of admitted patients.
Active and recent clusters
- Germany · Bavaria / Baden-Württemberg — 1300 cases, 5 deaths (CFR 0.4%) · Annual pattern; RKI Infektionsepidemiologisches Jahrbuch. Germany reports a strongly cyclical Puumala virus burden — peak years exceed 2,000 cases (e.g., 2012, 2017, 2019), trough years <300. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg contribute the bulk. Cases are notifiable; verify current weekly counts at RKI SurvStat.
Authoritative sources
Frequently asked
Is hantavirus a problem in Germany?
Yes. Germany is part of the Europe hantavirus surveillance footprint, with the Puumala strain causing HFRS and case fatality typically <1%.
What rodent carries hantavirus in Germany?
Bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg beech forests.
Who tracks hantavirus cases in Germany?
Robert Koch Institute (RKI) — Hantavirus; ECDC — Hantavirus surveillance.
Related
Disclaimer. Country surveillance figures are floor estimates and reflect what national authorities publish. Always confirm with the cited sources.