Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, HFRS, is an acute viral disease caused by the Hantaan virus. HFRS is transmitted by wild rodents, mainly in the autumn harvest season. The main route of transmission is inhaling aerosols of rodent excreta. Elevated risk is associated with dusty, dry conditions and peak rodent populations.

To prevent infection, travellers should:

  • Avoid visiting or living in places with poor environmental hygiene.
  • Not touch rodents or their excreta.
  • Not sit or rest on grassland and hay stacks
  • Choose camping sites which are open and dry to lessen the chance of rodent invasion.



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