The Complete List of Viruses That Start with H includes 69 scientifically recognized viruses from around the world. These viruses come from many different families and affect a range of hosts, including humans, animals, insects, and plants. Many of the human-affecting viruses in this list cause serious illnesses like hepatitis, herpes, and respiratory infections. The diversity of viruses starting with the letter H shows how wide-ranging and impactful viruses can be in both nature and human health.

Explore the detailed table below for a full alphabetical guide to these viruses.

Virus Name This column lists the official name of each virus, helping you to identify it clearly and accurately.

Classification Here, you find the virus family or group it belongs to, which shows its scientific category and relation to other viruses.

Primary Hosts This column states whether the virus affects humans, animals, plants, or insects, clarifying its typical hosts.

Associated Illness/Symptoms Learn about the key symptoms or diseases the virus causes. This helps to quickly understand its health impact.

Transmission Method This explains how the virus spreads from one host to another, highlighting common routes like contact, airborne particles, vectors, or food and water.

Descripción A brief description provides more information about the virus’s origin, behavior, and notable features, offering context for its importance or uniqueness.

Viruses that start with H

VirusesClassificationAffects Humans?SymptomsTransmission Method
Hantaan VirusOrthohantavirusYesHemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (fever, chills, headache, kidney failure)Contact with aerosolized rodent excreta (urine, droppings, saliva)
Hares-foot Clover Mottle VirusCarlavirusNoMottling, stunting, leaf deformation in clover plantsAphids (vector), mechanical transmission
Hart’s-tongue Fern Yellow Fleck VirusUnassigned (Putative Rhabdovirus)NoYellow flecks, chlorotic spots on Hart’s-tongue fern leavesUnknown, likely vector-borne (e.g., insects)
Helicoverpa Armigera Stunt VirusPermutacapsulavirus (Nudiviridae)NoStunting, reduced feeding, larval mortality in Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm)Oral ingestion by larvae
Helicoverpa Zea Virus 1AscovirusNoLethargy, reduced feeding, paralysis, larval death in Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm)Oral ingestion by larvae
Heliothis Virescens Ascovirus 3aAscovirusNoAscites (fluid accumulation), larval death in Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm)Parasitoid wasps (vectors)
Hemlock Carrot Latent VirusPotyvirusNoLatent or mild symptoms, reduced vigor in hemlock and carrot plantsAphids (vector)
Hendra VirusHenipavirusYes (rarely)Severe respiratory illness, encephalitis, fever, headache, muscle painDirect contact with infected horses or their fluids (originally from bats)
Hepatitis A VirusHepatovirusYesAcute hepatitis (fever, fatigue, nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain)Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water)
Hepatitis B VirusOrthohepadnavirusYesAcute or chronic hepatitis (fatigue, jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer)Blood, sexual contact, mother-to-child
Hepatitis C VirusHepacivirusYesOften asymptomatic; chronic hepatitis, fatigue, cirrhosis, liver cancerBlood (shared needles, transfusions before 1992)
Hepatitis D VirusDeltavirusYes (co-infection with HBV)Severe acute or chronic hepatitis, often worse than HBV aloneBlood, sexual contact, mother-to-child (requires HBV for replication)
Hepatitis E VirusOrthohepevirusYesAcute hepatitis (fever, fatigue, nausea, jaundice)Fecal-oral route (contaminated water, undercooked meat)
Heracleum Latent VirusTobamovirusNoLatent or mild symptoms in Heracleum (hogweed) speciesMechanical transmission
Heron Hepatitis B VirusAvihepadnavirusNoHepatitis (liver inflammation) in heronsUnknown, likely avian specific transmission
Hibiscus Chlorotic Ringspot VirusCarmovirusNoChlorotic ringspots, mottling, distortion on hibiscus leavesMechanical transmission, possibly sap-sucking insects
Hippeastrum Mosaic VirusPotyvirusNoMosaic patterns, streaking, deformation on Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) leavesAphids (vector), mechanical transmission
Hop Latent VirusCarlavirusNoOften asymptomatic (“latent”), can reduce yield and cannabinoid/terpene production in hopsMechanical transmission, possibly propagation materials
Hop Mosaic VirusPotyvirusNoMosaic patterns, yellowing, stunting in hop plantsAphids (vector), mechanical transmission
Barley Mosaic-Associated VirusPotyvirusNoMosaic symptoms, streaking on barley leavesUnknown, possibly mechanical or vector-borne
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)SimplexvirusYesOral herpes (cold sores, fever blisters), genital herpes, ocular herpesDirect contact (saliva, skin lesions), kissing, sharing utensils
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)SimplexvirusYesGenital herpes, oral herpes, neonatal herpesDirect contact (sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact with lesions)
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)VaricellovirusYesChickenpox (primary infection), Shingles (reactivation)Respiratory droplets, direct contact with blister fluid
Human AstrovirusMamastrovirusYesGastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever), primarily in childrenFecal-oral route (contaminated food/water, direct contact)
Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV)CytomegalovirusYesOften asymptomatic; mononucleosis-like syndrome, severe in immunocompromised or congenitally infected infantsBody fluids (saliva, urine, blood, sexual contact, mother-to-child)
Human Herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A)RoseolovirusYesRoseola infantum, fever, seizures, encephalitis, possible link to chronic diseasesSaliva, respiratory secretions
Human Herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B)RoseolovirusYesRoseola infantum (primary cause), fever, seizures, encephalitisSaliva, respiratory secretions
Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)RoseolovirusYesRoseola infantum (less common), fever, mild rashSaliva, respiratory secretions
Human BocavirusBocaparvovirusYesRespiratory infections (cough, wheezing, shortness of breath), gastroenteritisRespiratory droplets, fecal-oral route
Human CardiovirusCardiovirusYesMild respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, possibly neurological complicationsFecal-oral route, respiratory droplets
Human Coronavirus 229EAlphacoronavirusYesCommon cold symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever)Respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces
Human Coronavirus HKU1BetacoronavirusYesCommon cold symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia, particularly in older adultsRespiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces
Human Coronavirus NL63AlphacoronavirusYesCommon cold symptoms, bronchiolitis, croup, particularly in childrenRespiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces
Human Coronavirus OC43BetacoronavirusYesCommon cold symptoms, bronchitis, pneumoniaRespiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces
Human Cosavirus ACosavirusYesGastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting), abdominal discomfortFecal-oral route (contaminated food/water)
Human Enterovirus AEnterovirusYesHand, foot, and mouth disease, herpangina, meningitis, poliomyelitis-like illnessFecal-oral route, respiratory droplets
Human Enterovirus BEnterovirusYesMeningitis, myocarditis, hand, foot, and mouth disease, acute flaccid paralysisFecal-oral route, respiratory droplets
Human Enterovirus CEnterovirusYesPoliomyelitis, acute flaccid paralysis, common cold, meningitisFecal-oral route, respiratory droplets
Human Enterovirus DEnterovirusYesAcute flaccid paralysis, severe respiratory illnessFecal-oral route, respiratory droplets
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)LymphocryptovirusYesInfectious mononucleosis (“mono”), fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, linked to cancersSaliva (“kissing disease”)
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)RhadinovirusYesOften asymptomatic; Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, multicentric Castleman diseaseSaliva, sexual contact, blood, mother-to-child
Human GyrovirusGyrovirus (Anelloviridae)YesRole in human disease unclear; detected in blood, respiratory samplesUnknown, possibly respiratory or blood-borne
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1)LentivirusYesAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – severe immunodeficiency, opportunistic infections, cancersSexual contact, shared needles, blood transfusions, mother-to-child
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 2 (HIV-2)LentivirusYesAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – similar to HIV-1 but typically slower progressionSexual contact, shared needles, blood transfusions, mother-to-child
Human MastadenovirusMastadenovirusYesRespiratory infections (common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia), conjunctivitis, gastroenteritisRespiratory droplets, fecal-oral, direct contact
Human MetapneumovirusMetapneumovirusYesRespiratory infections (bronchiolitis, pneumonia), common cold, croup, asthma exacerbationsRespiratory droplets, direct contact
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)OrthopneumovirusYesRespiratory infections (bronchiolitis, pneumonia), common cold, especially severe in infants/elderlyRespiratory droplets, direct contact
Human Parechovirus AParechovirusYesRespiratory, gastrointestinal, sepsis-like illness, meningitis, especially in neonatesFecal-oral route, respiratory droplets
Human PicobirnavirusPicobirnavirusYesGastroenteritis (diarrhea), but its role in human disease is uncertainFecal-oral route
Human Polyomavirus 1 (BK Virus)PolyomavirusYesAsymptomatic; kidney transplant nephropathy, hemorrhagic cystitis in immunocompromisedRespiratory droplets, urine, possibly fecal-oral
Human Polyomavirus 2 (JC Virus)PolyomavirusYesAsymptomatic; Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in immunocompromisedRespiratory droplets, urine, possibly fecal-oral
Human PolyomavirusPolyomavirusYesOften asymptomatic; opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individualsRespiratory, urine, possibly fecal-oral
Human Parainfluenza Virus 1RespirovirusYesRespiratory infections (croup, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, common cold)Respiratory droplets, direct contact
Human Parainfluenza Virus 3RespirovirusYesRespiratory infections (bronchiolitis, pneumonia, common cold), especially in infantsRespiratory droplets, direct contact
Human Rhinovirus ARhinovirusYesCommon cold symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing)Respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces
Human Rhinovirus BRhinovirusYesCommon cold symptoms, upper respiratory infectionsRespiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces
Human Rhinovirus CRhinovirusYesCommon cold symptoms, respiratory infections, can be more severe in children with asthmaRespiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces
Human Rotavirus ARotavirusYesSevere gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain), especially in infants/young childrenFecal-oral route (contaminated food/water, direct contact)
Human Rotavirus BRotavirusYesGastroenteritis (diarrhea) outbreaks, primarily in adultsFecal-oral route
Human Rotavirus CRotavirusYesGastroenteritis (diarrhea), typically milder than Rotavirus AFecal-oral route
Human SpumaretrovirusSpumavirusYesAsymptomatic, no clear association with human diseaseUnknown, possibly saliva or blood
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1 (HTLV-1)DeltaretrovirusYesOften asymptomatic; Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATL), HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP)Sexual contact, blood, mother-to-child (breastfeeding)
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 2 (HTLV-2)DeltaretrovirusYesOften asymptomatic; possible association with neurological or hematological disordersSexual contact, blood, shared needles
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 3 (HTLV-3)DeltaretrovirusYes (potential)Unclear, found in Central African primates, zoonotic potentialUnknown, likely similar to HTLV-1/2 from primate exposure
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 4 (HTLV-4)DeltaretrovirusYes (potential)Unclear, found in Central African primates, zoonotic potentialUnknown, likely similar to HTLV-1/2 from primate exposure
Human TorovirusTorovirusYesGastroenteritis (diarrhea, abdominal pain), often mild or asymptomaticFecal-oral route
Hyacinth Mosaic VirusPotyvirusNoMosaic patterns, streaking, flower distortion in hyacinthsAphids (vector), mechanical transmission
Hydrangea Ringspot VirusUnassigned (Putative Tobamovirus)NoRingspots, chlorosis (yellowing) on hydrangea leaves and flowersMechanical transmission, propagation
Alfalfa Weevil DensovirusDensovirusNoLarval mortality, reduced growth in alfalfa weevilOral ingestion by larvae

Descriptions

Hantaan Virus
A severe rodent-borne virus causing hemorrhagic fever. It is one of several hantaviruses that can be transmitted to humans, leading to kidney and respiratory issues. Found globally, especially in rural areas.
Hares-foot Clover Mottle Virus
A plant virus primarily affecting clover species, causing discolored patches and stunted growth. It can impact agricultural yields of affected leguminous crops.
Hart’s-tongue Fern Yellow Fleck Virus
A virus specifically infecting Hart’s-tongue ferns, recognized by distinct yellow spots or flecks on the foliage. Its impact is generally cosmetic rather than lethal.
Helicoverpa Armigera Stunt Virus
An insect virus that targets the cotton bollworm, a significant agricultural pest. Infection leads to stunted growth and death in larvae, potentially offering a biological control method.
Helicoverpa Zea Virus 1
This virus infects the corn earworm, another common agricultural pest. It causes symptoms like paralysis and ultimately leads to the death of infected larvae, impacting pest populations.
Heliothis Virescens Ascovirus 3a
A complex insect virus transmitted by parasitoid wasps. It causes a fatal disease in tobacco budworm larvae, leading to their death and affecting pest management strategies.
Hemlock Carrot Latent Virus
A plant virus that can infect hemlock and carrot, often remaining asymptomatic or causing mild symptoms. It can subtly reduce plant health and yield in affected crops.
Hendra Virus
A highly virulent bat-borne virus, primarily affecting horses, with rare but often fatal spillover to humans. It causes severe respiratory and neurological disease.
Hepatitis A Virus
A common cause of acute liver inflammation, spread through contaminated food or water. It does not cause chronic infection but can be severe, especially in adults.
Hepatitis B Virus
A major global health concern causing chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is highly transmissible through bodily fluids.
Hepatitis C Virus
A leading cause of chronic liver disease, often asymptomatic for decades. It is primarily transmitted through blood and can lead to severe liver damage.
Hepatitis D Virus
A unique “satellite” virus that can only replicate in the presence of Hepatitis B virus. Co-infection leads to more severe liver disease outcomes.
Hepatitis E Virus
Similar to Hepatitis A, it causes acute liver inflammation. It is usually self-limiting but can be severe in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Heracleum Latent Virus
A plant virus that infects hogweed and related species, often without clear symptoms. Its presence can be difficult to detect due to its latent nature.
Heron Hepatitis B Virus
An avian-specific virus causing liver inflammation in herons. It is not known to infect humans or other mammals, focusing on its bird hosts.
Hibiscus Chlorotic Ringspot Virus
A plant virus that causes characteristic yellow ring-like patterns on the leaves of hibiscus plants. It can reduce the ornamental value of infected plants.
Hippeastrum Mosaic Virus
This virus causes striking mosaic patterns and streaking on the leaves of Amaryllis plants. It can significantly impact the plant’s aesthetic appeal and health.
Hop Latent Virus
A prevalent virus in hop plants, often asymptomatic or causing mild symptoms. It can subtly reduce plant vigor and significantly impact the quality and yield of hop cones.
Hop Mosaic Virus
A widespread virus affecting hop crops, causing mosaic patterns, yellowing, and stunted growth. It can lead to significant yield and quality losses in commercial hop production.
Barley Mosaic-Associated Virus
A virus associated with mosaic disease in barley, causing characteristic discolored patterns on leaves. It can potentially impact barley crop health and yield.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)
A very common virus causing oral cold sores, but it can also cause genital herpes. It establishes lifelong latency and can reactivate periodically.
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)
The primary cause of genital herpes, often asymptomatic but can cause painful sores. It is highly transmissible through sexual contact and can be transmitted from mother to baby.
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
Causes chickenpox in children and can reactivate later in life as shingles, characterized by a painful rash. It is highly contagious.
Human Astrovirus
A common cause of mild to moderate gastroenteritis, especially in young children. It is responsible for many foodborne and waterborne outbreaks.
Human Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A very common virus, often asymptomatic, but can cause serious illness in newborns or individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to severe organ damage.
Human Herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A)
One of two closely related viruses causing roseola in infants (high fever followed by rash). HHV-6A is also being studied for its potential links to various neurological conditions.
Human Herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B)
The primary cause of roseola, a common childhood illness characterized by high fever and a distinctive rash. It is highly prevalent globally.
Human Herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)
Another common herpesvirus causing roseola, similar to HHV-6. It is widely prevalent and typically causes mild or asymptomatic infections.
Human Bocavirus
A family of viruses causing both respiratory illnesses, particularly in children, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Its exact role in disease is still under investigation.
Human Cardiovirus
A virus detected in humans, which can cause mild respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Its full impact on human health is still being researched.
Human Coronavirus 229E
One of the coronaviruses known to cause the common cold in humans. It circulates widely, causing mild respiratory infections, especially during winter months.
Human Coronavirus HKU1
A relatively recently discovered human coronavirus associated with common cold symptoms and more severe lower respiratory tract infections, especially in vulnerable populations.
Human Coronavirus NL63
Another common cold-causing coronavirus, often implicated in lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, sometimes leading to more severe conditions.
Human Coronavirus OC43
One of the most common coronaviruses causing the common cold. It is a significant cause of seasonal respiratory infections globally.
Human Cosavirus A
A virus primarily found in the human gut, associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Its overall contribution to human diarrheal disease is still being studied.
Human Enterovirus A
A group of enteroviruses causing a range of illnesses, from common hand, foot, and mouth disease to more severe neurological conditions like meningitis.
Human Enterovirus B
Another common group of enteroviruses responsible for a variety of conditions including meningitis, heart inflammation, and neurological syndromes.
Human Enterovirus C
This group includes poliovirus and other enteroviruses. They can cause a spectrum of diseases from mild respiratory illness to severe neurological damage and paralysis.
Human Enterovirus D
A group of enteroviruses that have been linked to severe respiratory infections and acute flaccid paralysis, a polio-like illness.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
A widespread herpesvirus, famous for causing “mono.” It’s also linked to certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, infecting most people worldwide.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
The eighth human herpesvirus, primarily known for causing Kaposi’s sarcoma, a cancer common in immunocompromised individuals, especially those with AIDS.
Human Gyrovirus
A recently identified virus, its impact on human health is not yet well understood. It has been found in various human tissues, but its pathogenicity remains unclear.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1)
The primary cause of AIDS, a chronic condition that progressively damages the immune system, making individuals vulnerable to infections and certain cancers.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 2 (HIV-2)
Similar to HIV-1, HIV-2 also causes AIDS but typically progresses more slowly. It is primarily found in West Africa.
Human Mastadenovirus
A diverse group of viruses causing a wide range of illnesses, from common respiratory infections and pink eye to gastrointestinal issues, especially in children and military recruits.
Human Metapneumovirus
A common cause of respiratory infections in all age groups, similar to RSV, leading to symptoms ranging from the common cold to severe pneumonia, especially in young children.
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
A major cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children, often leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It causes significant hospitalizations worldwide.
Human Parechovirus A
A group of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, from mild respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms to severe, sepsis-like illness and meningitis in infants.
Human Picobirnavirus
A relatively newly identified virus that has been found in the gut of individuals with gastroenteritis. Its definitive role as a cause of human disease is still being investigated.
Human Polyomavirus 1 (BK Virus)
A very common virus, usually asymptomatic. It can cause serious kidney problems and urinary tract issues in individuals with weakened immune systems, especially transplant recipients.
Human Polyomavirus 2 (JC Virus)
Another widespread polyomavirus, usually harmless. In severely immunocompromised individuals, it can cause a rare but fatal brain disease called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).
Human Polyomavirus
A group of highly prevalent viruses that typically cause no symptoms in healthy individuals. However, they can cause serious opportunistic infections in people with weakened immune systems.
Human Parainfluenza Virus 1
A common cause of respiratory illness, particularly known for causing croup in young children. It leads to inflammation of the airways, affecting breathing.
Human Parainfluenza Virus 3
Another significant cause of respiratory tract infections, particularly in infants and young children, leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Human Rhinovirus A
One of the most frequent causes of the common cold, a mild upper respiratory tract infection. It is highly contagious and responsible for seasonal outbreaks.
Human Rhinovirus B
Similar to Rhinovirus A, it is a major contributor to the common cold and other mild upper respiratory illnesses.
Human Rhinovirus C
A more recently discovered rhinovirus species, also causing the common cold, but sometimes linked to more severe respiratory symptoms, especially in asthmatic children.
Human Rotavirus A
The most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children worldwide, preventable by vaccine. It leads to dehydration and significant illness.
Human Rotavirus B
A rotavirus strain less common than Rotavirus A, but known to cause outbreaks of gastroenteritis, particularly among adults.
Human Rotavirus C
Another rotavirus strain, generally causing milder and less frequent cases of gastroenteritis compared to Rotavirus A.
Human Spumaretrovirus
A human retrovirus that is widespread but not clearly linked to any specific human disease. It is often detected in healthy individuals.
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1 (HTLV-1)
A retrovirus linked to certain types of leukemia, lymphoma, and a neurological disorder called HAM/TSP. It primarily affects T-lymphocytes.
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 2 (HTLV-2)
Another human T-lymphotropic virus, less clearly associated with severe diseases than HTLV-1, though some links to neurological conditions have been suggested.
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 3 (HTLV-3)
A retrovirus primarily found in non-human primates in Central Africa. Its potential for human infection and disease is under investigation due to its zoonotic nature.
Human T-lymphotropic Virus 4 (HTLV-4)
Similar to HTLV-3, this retrovirus is found in African primates. Its capacity to infect humans and cause disease is being studied as a potential emerging zoonosis.
Human Torovirus
A virus primarily causing gastrointestinal illness, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Infections are often mild or asymptomatic.
Hyacinth Mosaic Virus
A plant virus that causes unsightly mosaic patterns and streaks on hyacinth leaves and can deform their flowers, reducing their ornamental value.
Hydrangea Ringspot Virus
A virus that causes distinctive ring-shaped spots and yellowing on the leaves and sometimes flowers of hydrangea plants, affecting their appearance.
Alfalfa Weevil Densovirus
An insect virus that specifically targets the alfalfa weevil, an agricultural pest. Infection leads to high mortality rates in weevil larvae, offering a natural pest control mechanism.
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