HealthAugust 21, 2026

hantavirus

HAN-tuh-vy-ruhs

Definition

A group of viruses that can be transmitted to humans from rodents, potentially causing severe respiratory or kidney disease.

Etymology

The name is derived from the Hantan River in South Korea, near where the virus was first isolated in the late 1970s.

In the news

The article mentions the successful quarantine of people exposed to hantavirus on a cruise ship, using the event to showcase Nebraska's preparedness in responding to infectious diseases.

Nebraska’s Growing Role in Health Initiatives Highlighted During Visit by HHS Secretary Kennedy

Read the full article ↗

Nebraska Governor's Office (.gov)

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