Puumala virus infection in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) resembling hantavirus infection in natural rodent hosts

► Puumala virus infection in Syrian hamsters resembles to that in the natural hosts. ► Virus RNA persisted until 70 days post infection in various organs. ► Virus antigen persisted until 56 days post infection in kidneys and adrenal glands. ► High level of antibody responses were observed in infected hamsters. ► Infected hamsters showed no body weight loss or clinical signs.