A rare hantavirus strain has circulated on South Funen for 40 years without fatalities

A unique variant of hantavirus has been present on the Danish island of South Funen for at least four decades, though it has not caused any deaths in the country, according to a senior physician at Odense University Hospital, reports DR.

The strain, known as Puumala virus, typically spreads when humans inhale dust contaminated with rodent urine or feces. While infections can cause severe illness, patients recover without long-term effects, said Hans Dieperink, chief physician in the hospital’s nephrology department.

“Individuals can become very ill, but the good news is they recover on their own,” Dieperink told DR. “They may need pain relief or, in rare cases, dialysis if kidney function is impaired—but they do recover.”

Around 10 cases are recorded annually in Denmark, almost exclusively on South Funen. One local resident, 87-year-old Fritz Pedersen from Gudme, contracted the virus a few years ago despite decades of precautions. A lifelong resident familiar with the risk from field mice in woodpiles and sheds, Pedersen wore gloves when handling firewood and washed his hands meticulously after each use of his wood stove.

“People from Copenhagen used to tease me for being so careful,” he recalled. “But I knew the risk.”

Pedersen experienced severe lower back pain and kidney complications requiring hospitalization, yet he remains unconcerned about reinfection. “I know several people who’ve had it and recovered just fine,” he said. “There’s no fear.”

Dieperink confirmed no fatalities linked to Puumala virus have been documented in Denmark.