Hantaan virus is a member of the genus Orthohantavirus (family Hantaviridae) and is the prototypical agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), historically known as Korean hemorrhagic fever. The virus has a tri‑segmented, negative‑sense RNA genome totaling about 11 kilobases. It was first isolated in 1976 from the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) near the Hantaan River in South Korea, which gave the virus its name.
Classification, Structure and Transmission
Like other hantaviruses, Hantaan virus possesses three genome segments—small (S), medium (M) and large (L)—encoding the nucleocapsid protein, the envelope glycoproteins Gn and Gc, and the RNA‑dependent RNA polymerase, respectively. Virions are enveloped, roughly spherical and carry these segments in ribonucleoprotein complexes. Phylogenetically, Hantaan virus groups within the Murinae‑associated clade of hantaviruses and is closely related to Dobrava‑Belgrade virus and Seoul virus. Its primary reservoir host is the striped field mouse; the virus is maintained in rodent populations through horizontal transmission and persists in the kidneys and lungs without causing disease in the host. Humans become infected through inhalation of aerosolized rodent urine, droppings or saliva, typically in rural or military settings. There is no evidence for sustained person‑to‑person transmission of Hantaan virus. After an incubation period of 2‑4 weeks, HFRS progresses through febrile, hypotensive, oliguric, diuretic and convalescent phases, characterized by fever, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. Case fatality rates range from 5 % to 10 %. Supportive care, including fluid management and renal replacement therapy, is the mainstay of treatment; ribavirin may reduce severity if given early. An inactivated vaccine against Hantaan virus is licensed in South Korea.
Historical and Epidemiological Notes
Epidemiological investigations during the Korean War documented thousands of cases of Korean hemorrhagic fever among United Nations troops. However, the causative agent remained unknown until Ho Wang Lee isolated Hantaan virus in 1976. Subsequent studies identified the striped field mouse as the reservoir and mapped virus distribution across China, Russia and the Korean Peninsula. Hantaan virus accounts for many HFRS cases in China, where annual incidence remains in the tens of thousands despite vaccination campaigns. Outbreaks often correlate with rodent population surges driven by climate and agricultural changes. Laboratory-acquired infections and transfusion‑associated transmission are rare. Public health measures focus on rodent control, safe food storage and education of farmers and soldiers about avoiding rodent excreta. Development of recombinant and DNA vaccine candidates aims to improve protection beyond the existing inactivated vaccine.
Hantaan virus remains a significant cause of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in East Asia. Understanding its ecology and maintaining vigilance through rodent control, vaccination and awareness can mitigate disease burden.
Related Terms: Seoul Virus, Puumala Virus, Dobrava‑Belgrade Virus, Andes Virus, Crimean‑Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus