Seoul Orthohantavirus in Wild Black Rats, Senegal, 2012–2013

Abstract

Hantaviruses cause hemorrhagic fever in humans worldwide. However, few hantavirus surveillance campaigns occur in Africa. We detected Seoul orthohantavirus in black rats in Senegal, although we did not find serologic evidence of this disease in humans. These findings highlight the need for increased surveillance of hantaviruses in this region.

Keywords

• Hantavirus
• Seoul orthohantavirus
• rodents
• black rats
• Senegal
• viruses