Hantavirus in Africa

Africa remains the least characterized continent for hantavirus epidemiology, though emerging serological and molecular evidence suggests that hantaviruses circulate among rodent populations across sub-Saharan Africa. Seoul virus, carried globally by commensal Rattus species, has been detected in urban rat populations in South Africa, raising concerns about unrecognized human infections in densely populated informal settlements. The true burden of hantavirus disease in Africa is unknown due to limited surveillance infrastructure, lack of diagnostic capacity, and symptom overlap with prevalent febrile illnesses such as malaria and leptospirosis. Seroprevalence studies in several African countries have identified antibodies reactive to hantavirus antigens in human populations, suggesting prior exposure. Addressing these research gaps requires investment in rodent surveillance programs, development of region-specific diagnostic assays, and integration of hantavirus testing into existing hemorrhagic fever surveillance networks.