Hantavirus infections and outbreaks in 1993.

Hantaviruses are the cause of a worldwide zoonosis and pose a potential threat to those exposed to rodents through occupation or recreation. An increased number of hantavirus infections was reported in Holland and Germany in the summer of 1993 and a previously unrecognised hantavirus has been implicated in the pulmonary syndrome hantavirus (PSHV) outbreak in the United States. Surveillance data for the United Kingdom are limited and infections with hantaviruses are not always recognised: hantavirus antibodies have been detected in several groups at risk through occupation. It is possible to increase the number of cases detected if clinicians familiarise themselves with the symptoms and signs of hantavirus infection.