Seoul virus
Seoul virus has a global distribution due to its reservoir, the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), which travels with human commerce.
Seoul virus has a global distribution due to its reservoir, the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), which travels with human commerce. Causes a milder form of HFRS. Notable outbreaks have been linked to laboratory rats and pet rats.
Active and recent clusters
- China · Shaanxi / Heilongjiang / Yunnan — 11000 cases, 110 deaths (CFR 1%) · Annual pattern; China CDC weekly bulletin. China reports more hantavirus cases than any other country — typically 10,000 to 20,000 confirmed HFRS cases annually depending on the cycle phase. Hantaan virus dominates in agricultural regions; Seoul virus in port cities. China uses a bivalent inactivated Hantaan/Seoul vaccine in high-incidence rural counties.
Frequently asked
What does Seoul virus cause?
Seoul virus causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) with case fatality around 1%. The kidneys are the primary affected organ.
Is Seoul virus contagious between people?
No documented person-to-person transmission. Seoul virus spreads via inhalation of aerosolized rodent excreta from its reservoir, Rattus norvegicus (brown rat).
Where does Seoul virus circulate?
Seoul virus circulates primarily in Worldwide. Its main reservoir is Rattus norvegicus (brown rat).
Related
Disclaimer. Strain pages are for general information. Diagnosis and treatment decisions must be made with a qualified clinician.