HFRSLast updated 2025-11-20
Hantavirus in Germany
Germany reports one of the highest HFRS case counts in Europe, driven by Puumala virus carried by bank voles. Outbreak years correlate strongly with beech-mast events, when abundant tree seeds fuel vole population booms.
Cumulative Cases
3,200
Deaths
15
CFR
0.5%
Global Rank
#4
by case count
Circulating Strains
- ●Puumala virus (PUUV)
- ●Dobrava-Belgrade virus
Primary syndrome: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).
Reservoir Species
- • Bank vole (Myodes glareolus)
Most Affected Regions
- • Baden-Württemberg
- • Bavaria
- • North Rhine-Westphalia
- • Lower Saxony
Country-specific Risk & Prevention
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) publishes annual risk maps. Hikers and forestry workers should avoid sitting directly on the forest floor and use respirators when cleaning sheds.
General prevention: see symptoms and prevention guidance →
Field Notes
Puumala virus (PUUV). Causes nephropathia epidemica. High case years correlate with beech mast.