Occurrence and distribution of Hantavirus in wild living mammals in Belgium.

ABSTRACT

Small mammals were screened for the presence of antibodies to Hantaan virus (HTN) and Hantavirus (HV) antigen in Belgium. Antibody and antigen-positive animals were found in different parts of the country. One insectivore and five rodent species were found positive. The highest prevalence of infection was found in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). A relation between infected animals and wet habitats was observed. It was obvious that in bank vole the likelihood of infection increased with age.