Received: February 25, 2008.

Accepted: March 12, 2008.

Abstract published online: March 17, 2008.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2008.

HANTAVIRUSES AS EMERGENT ZOONOSES

ULLMANN LS (1), SOUZA LC (1), LANGONI H (1)

(1) Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Hantaviruses belong to the Bunyaviridae family, which consists of vector-borne viruses. These viruses can provoke two infection types: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) – which occurs in the Old World – and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) – an emergent zoonosis that can be found in many countries of the western hemisphere. Rodents are hantavirus reservoirs and each species seems to host a different virus type. Humans acquire the infection by inhaling contaminated aerosol particles eliminated by infected animals. The factors involved in the emergence of hantavirus infections in the human population include ecological modifications and changes in human activities. The most important risk factor is contact between man and rodents, as a result of agricultural, forestry or military activities. Rodent control remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus diseases, including via health education and hygienic habits.

KEY WORDS: hantaviruses, rodents, control, public health.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

LEILA SABRINA ULLMANN, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Jr., s/n, 18610-000, Botucatu, SP, Brasil. Phone: +55 14 3811 6270. Email: leila_ullmann@yahoo.com.br.