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Between Oct 2011 and Apr 2012, 852 human hantavirus infections were reported in Germany, of which 580 (68%) were in Baden-Wurttemberg state in the southwest of the country. The numbers in the current outbreak are the largest ever reported in this state during Oct to Apr in any year.
The rising incidence of hantavirus infections may be a consequence of changes in the population density of bank voles, due to a particulary mild winter in 2011/12, and an abundance of beech tree seeds (an important food source for bank voles). This may have promoted winter survival and reproduction of bank vole populations. A further increase in case numbers during summer 2012, is anticipated.
(Via Eurosurveillance - accessed 30/05/12)
Advice for Travellers
Hantavirus is a low risk for most travellers visiting Germany. Humans are often infected by inhaling dust that contains the virus in faeces and urine of wild rodents; the red-backed vole is the main reservoir of infection in this area.
