Hantaviruses are carried by numerous rodent species worldwide and have caused significant human disease. In 1993, a new group of hantaviruses emerged in the U.S., causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Previously, hantaviruses were known for causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere. Since then, many novel hantaviruses have been discovered, highlighting their global distribution and potential for severe human illness. The genus Hantavirus includes at least 14 viruses, causing HFRS and HPS. These viruses are primarily rodent-borne, not transmitted by arthropods. Human-to-human transmission is rare. HFRS was first recognized in the 1950s, while HPS was first described in 1993. HFRS is associated with various rodent species, while HPS is linked to different hantaviruses, such as Sin Nombre (SN) virus in the U.S. and South America. HFRS and HPS have distinct clinical features, with HPS involving localized capillary leakage in the lungs. HFRS can range from mild to severe, with varying mortality rates. HPS is often fatal, with shock and cardiac complications as primary causes of death. The clinical course of HFRS includes five stages, with varying severity. Hantaviruses have a wide distribution, with many rodent species acting as reservoirs. The ecology and epidemiology of these viruses are complex, influenced by environmental factors and rodent population dynamics. Human exposure often occurs through inhalation of virus-contaminated aerosols from rodent excreta or through direct contact with rodents. Hantavirus transmission can occur indoors, especially during cold weather or in rodent-infested structures. Genetic studies have shown that hantaviruses have antigenic and genetic diversity, with some viruses showing close relationships to others. However, spillover between different rodent species can occur, leading to potential genetic exchange. Hantaviruses have been associated with laboratory outbreaks, highlighting the importance of biosafety measures. While person-to-person transmission is rare, recent cases suggest it may occur. The evolution of hantaviruses is influenced by environmental factors and rodent populations, with some viruses evolving in the Old World and spreading to South America. Hantaviruses are a significant public health concern due to their global distribution, potential for severe illness, and the need for continued research and surveillance. Understanding their ecology, epidemiology, and genetic diversity is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.Hantaviruses are carried by numerous rodent species worldwide and have caused significant human disease. In 1993, a new group of hantaviruses emerged in the U.S., causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Previously, hantaviruses were known for causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere. Since then, many novel hantaviruses have been discovered, highlighting their global distribution and potential for severe human illness. The genus Hantavirus includes at least 14 viruses, causing HFRS and HPS. These viruses are primarily rodent-borne, not transmitted by arthropods. Human-to-human transmission is rare. HFRS was first recognized in the 1950s, while HPS was first described in 1993. HFRS is associated with various rodent species, while HPS is linked to different hantaviruses, such as Sin Nombre (SN) virus in the U.S. and South America. HFRS and HPS have distinct clinical features, with HPS involving localized capillary leakage in the lungs. HFRS can range from mild to severe, with varying mortality rates. HPS is often fatal, with shock and cardiac complications as primary causes of death. The clinical course of HFRS includes five stages, with varying severity. Hantaviruses have a wide distribution, with many rodent species acting as reservoirs. The ecology and epidemiology of these viruses are complex, influenced by environmental factors and rodent population dynamics. Human exposure often occurs through inhalation of virus-contaminated aerosols from rodent excreta or through direct contact with rodents. Hantavirus transmission can occur indoors, especially during cold weather or in rodent-infested structures. Genetic studies have shown that hantaviruses have antigenic and genetic diversity, with some viruses showing close relationships to others. However, spillover between different rodent species can occur, leading to potential genetic exchange. Hantaviruses have been associated with laboratory outbreaks, highlighting the importance of biosafety measures. While person-to-person transmission is rare, recent cases suggest it may occur. The evolution of hantaviruses is influenced by environmental factors and rodent populations, with some viruses evolving in the Old World and spreading to South America. Hantaviruses are a significant public health concern due to their global distribution, potential for severe illness, and the need for continued research and surveillance. Understanding their ecology, epidemiology, and genetic diversity is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.