1. A group of viruses transmitted to humans primarily through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, causing serious respiratory or hemorrhagic diseases.
Usage: plural form; medical/scientific term; named after the Hantaan River in Korea where the virus was first identified

Examples

• Hantaviruses are responsible for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in North America.
• Exposure to rodent droppings in poorly ventilated spaces can transmit hantaviruses.
• The CDC monitors hantavirus outbreaks across different regions of the United States.
• Hantaviruses have caused severe epidemics in Asia and Europe.
• Proper sanitation and rodent control help prevent hantavirus infections.