HEMORRHAGIC-FEVER WITH RENAL SYNDROME

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a viral infection caus ed by viruses which belong to a new group (Hantavirus) of the Bunyavii dae Family. Human infection occurs indirectly through airborne viruses from feces and urines of various infected rodents. HFRS is due to Han taan, Seoul, Puumala, Belgrade and Sin nombre viruses. In general, HFR S due to Hantaan and Belgrade viruses Is more severe and has higher mo rtality than those due to Puumala (nephropathia epidemica) or Seoul vi ruses. Hantaan is predominant in the Far East (Korea, Japan, China), B elgrade in the Balkans and Puumala In Western Europe and Scandinavia. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a recently described infection with high mortality (60 %) due to adult respiratory distress syndrome. The virus is a new Hantavirus called Sin nombre virus. The antiviral agent, ribavirin, if administred early in the illness, may be of some benefit.