Human Infections by Non-Rodent-Associated Hantaviruses in Africa

Abstract

Various hantaviruses have been discovered in unconventional hosts (shrews and bats) in Africa. Up to now, it was unknown whether these viruses pose a threat for human health. In this study, using newly established serological assays, we demonstrated evidence of shrew-borne hantavirus infections in humans from Côte d'Ivoire and Gabon.

Keywords: Africa; hantavirus; hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome; serology; shrews; zoonoses.