hantavirus

From the name of the Hantan River in South Korea, via the genus name Hantavirus.

hantavirus (plural hantaviruses)

1. (virology) Any virus of the genus Hantavirus, transmitted by aerosolized rodent excreta or rodent bites, especially the deer mouse. Hantaviruses cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): incubation lasts for 1–5 weeks, sickness begins with fever and muscle aches, followed by shortness of breath and coughing.

• orthohantavirus