At present, over 28 hantaviruses that cause disease in humans,
ranging from acute renal failure to pulmonary oedema and severe
haemorrhagic illness, have been identified around the world.
While around 1000 HCPS cases have been reported, it is estimated
thatmore than 100 000 HFRS cases occur worldwide each
year. In many countries hantaviral infections are undetected and
not reported, so additional hantaviruses may remain undiscovered.
Hantaviruses and the diseases they cause deserve the
attention of researchers and public health officials, and increased
clinician awareness with regard to their impact on public health.