Science and Technology News

Black Rat and Hantavirus

April 23 , 2025 17 hrs 0 min 56 0

The black rats, an invasive species - are the sole carriers of hantavirus, the very deadly virus, in the rural parts of Madagascar.
The hantavirus can cause the serious illness in humans and is usually spread through contact with the urine or droppings of infected rodents.
The black rat, which originally came from Asia, arrived in Madagascar between the 10th and 14th centuries and has since spread widely.
These rats were usually found in farmlands, not inside homes.