Clinician Update: Hantavirus Infection now notifiable in Victoria

Hantavirus infection has been declared an urgent notifiable condition in Victoria, effective 4 June 2026, prompting immediate reporting requirements for clinicians and pathology services.

Hantaviruses—rodent‑borne viruses capable of causing severe disease—are typically seen in Asia, Europe and the Americas. No human or animal cases have ever been recorded in Australia, but mandatory notification has been introduced under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 to strengthen surveillance and protect the Victorian community.

• Suspected or confirmed cases must be reported immediately (within 24 hours) to the Department of Health on 1300 651 160.
• Pathology services must also submit written notification within 5 working days.

Transmission occurs through contact with infected rodents, their urine, droppings, saliva or contaminated environments. Person‑to‑person spread is rare, documented only for the Andes virus following close, prolonged contact early in illness.

Clinicians should remain alert to compatible symptoms in patients with relevant exposure, particularly recent travel to endemic regions, and notify promptly.

Find more information here.