The authors describe the first three cases with a serologically confirmed hantaviral aetiology in the Czech Republic. It is the causal agent of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, western type (strain CG 18-20, identical with the Puumala prototype). All patients come from a locality where since 1984 very actively a natural focus of hantaviral infection was investigated in small mammals, and where formerly groups of farmers were found with a high herd immunity with hantavirus. The disease was present in a mild to medium severe form with some sequelae. In the discussion the authors draw attention to the necessity of wider use of aetiological diagnosis in suspect diseases.

Okresní ústav národního zdraví Breclav

Mild course of Puumala nephropathy in children in an area with sporadic occurrence Hantavirus infection

Hantaviruses in the Czech Republic