Noun
hantavirus (plural hantaviruses)
(virology) Any virus of the genus Hantavirus, transmitted by aerosolized rodent excreta or rodent bites, especially the deer mouse. Hantaviruses cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): incubation lasts for 1–5 weeks, sickness begins with fever and muscle aches, followed by shortness of breath and coughing.