The Puumala virus is the most common hantavirus in the Netherlands. It is transmitted by the bank vole. The Puumala virus has been detected in bank voles in different parts of the country. Each year, there are a few patients, especially in the Twente and Salland region.
What is the Puumala virus?
The Puumala virus is a hantavirus that can be excreted by bank voles through their urine or faeces. The virus is spread via the intake of dust particles.
Disease symptoms in humans
People with a Puumala virus infection have a similar but milder disease picture than the Seoul virus infection. Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a known syndrome called nephropathia epidemica (NE), which occurs in some cases.
Disease symptoms in animals
Rodents are carriers of hantaviruses, including the Puumala virus. They do not get ill when infected. Rodents become infected with Puumala virus by biting and scratching each other or by coming into contact with each other's infected droppings.
Infection and prevention
The virus is introduced into the environment by bank voles. In dried urine, droppings and saliva, the virus may remain active for about another 2 weeks. People are infected by breathing in contaminated dust particles (aerosols), for example when sweeping a barn or shed. People can also be infected through bites from infected rodents and by eating contaminated food.
The infection pathway is often difficult to determine. Possible sources of infection are sweeping a garage or attic, or staying in or near a forest, field, camping site or garden.
Infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with mice and their shelters. Make sure there are no food residues in the home that attract pests. Ventilate areas that have been closed for some time and where mice may have lived before you enter them.
If you find a nest at home, it is best to wet the nest before removing it. You should then clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water before disinfecting it with a 10% bleach solution. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or a broom to clean up nests, as this will disperse dust and may even spread any virus that may be present. Always wear gloves when touching dead mice, droppings or nest residues.
How often does Puumala virus infection occur?
The majority of human cases of hantaviruses in the Netherlands are caused by the Puumala virus. There are a few cases each year, especially in the vicinity of Twente and Salland.