Cross-sectional survey of the seroprevalence of Puumala hantavirus in Austria.

The prevalence of Puumala hantavirus infections in Austria and the occupational exposure of military personnel to this virus were assessed in 2009 in an exploratory nationwide cross-sectional seroprevalence survey in 526 healthy individuals, of which 222 were soldiers and 304 were civilians. In addition, information on possible risk factors for hantavirus exposure, including previous foreign military assignments, residential area, occupational animal contact, and regular outdoor activities, was obtained. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against Puumala hantavirus were examined with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, 7 (1.3%) individuals, aged 19, 22, 24, 24, 26, 38, and 60 years, tested positive on serologic screening. There were no significant differences between the seroprevalence of the virus and any of the variables surveyed. Our data demonstrate serologic evidence of Puumala hantavirus infection among the Austrian population, with a stable prevalence in the past decade. When compared with the general population, no increased risk of exposure to Puumala hantavirus could be detected for military personnel.