Hantaviruses affect which of the following groups?

• A. Humans, Rodents
• B. Humans, Rodents, Cats, and Dogs
• C. Only Rodents
• D. Birds and Reptiles

Answer: (A)

Hantaviruses are carried and maintained by rodents, making them rodent-borne zoonoses. Humans can become infected when they encounter virus shed in rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, or through direct contact with infected rodents. Because rodents are the natural reservoir and humans are incidental hosts, the groups affected include both humans and rodents. Cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles are not typical hosts of hantaviruses, so they aren’t considered affected in the usual sense. This is why the best answer is humans and rodents.