HFRSLast updated 2025-11-15

Hantavirus in South Korea

Hantaan virus was first isolated in South Korea in 1976. Cases concentrate in rural areas and among military personnel near the DMZ. A licensed inactivated vaccine (Hantavax) is available to high-risk groups.

Cumulative Cases

3,500

Deaths

70

CFR

2.0%

Global Rank

#3

by case count

Circulating Strains

  • ●Hantaan virus (HTNV)
  • ●Seoul virus (SEOV)

Primary syndrome: Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Reservoir Species

  • • Striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius)

Most Affected Regions

  • • Gyeonggi
  • • Gangwon
  • • DMZ border region

Country-specific Risk & Prevention

Military training and fieldwork in tall grass are recognised risk activities. Hantavax administration is recommended for at-risk occupations.

General prevention: see symptoms and prevention guidance →

Field Notes

Hantaan and Seoul viruses. Cases mainly in rural and military settings.

Continue exploring

Global case mapSymptoms & syndromesMV Hondius outbreak tracker