1. Any of a group of viruses transmitted to humans by contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, causing severe respiratory or hemorrhagic fever illness.
Usage: Medical/scientific term; Usually capitalized when referring to the genus

Examples

• Hantavirus outbreaks have been linked to exposure in homes and workplaces with rodent infestations.
• The hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can develop rapidly and requires immediate medical attention.
• Cleaning areas contaminated by rodents without proper protection increases the risk of hantavirus infection.
• Health officials warned campers about the dangers of hantavirus in the region.
• Symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing.