Pandemic Watch
Hantavirus in South Korea KR
South Korea is the country where hantaviruses were first scientifically characterized. Hantaan virus and Seoul virus both circulate; HFRS is a reportable disease. An inactivated HFRS vaccine has been available domestically since the late 1980s and is recommended for high-risk occupational groups, though uptake in the general population is limited.
Circulating strains
Hantavirus strains documented in South Korea. HPS = Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (Americas, predominantly fatal lung involvement). HFRS = Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (Eurasia, kidney involvement).
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- Rodent reservoir
- Striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius)
- Case-fatality rate
- 5-15%
- Person-to-person spread
- Not documented
The classic 'Korean hemorrhagic fever' agent. Inactivated vaccines are licensed and used in South Korea and parts of China.
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- Rodent reservoir
- Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus)
- Case-fatality rate
- 1-2%
- Person-to-person spread
- Not documented
Effectively a global urban hantavirus. Distribution follows its rat reservoirs through ports and cities; clusters in the UK and US have been linked to pet rat ownership.
Outbreak context
More than 3,000 cases of what would later be called 'Korean hemorrhagic fever' were documented among UN troops during the Korean War. Annual case counts in the modern era range from a few hundred to over a thousand.
