Hantavirus in Albania (ex Greece and Macedonia)

07 Aug 2017

Albania has reported 2 imported cases of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

The first case was from the north of Greece and has now recovered. The second is a 25 year old male from Macedonia near the border with Albania. He sought medical treatment on 31 July 2017 and is expected to recover.

Advice to travellers

The risk to most travellers is low. Risk is increased in those living or working  close to rural - forested areas/rodent infested buildings; campers, agricultural workers, building workers, soldiers are most likely to be exposed.

• Travellers at risk should be aware of the possibility of infection and take steps to minimise exposure to rodent excreta: Protective clothing including face masks and ensuring adequate ventilation should be used when working in environments which may be contaminated with rodent faeces.
• Accomodation that has been out of use for many months should be well ventilated prior to entry.

There is no licensed vaccine for hantavirus available in Europe.