What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that are carried by rodents. Usually, people are exposed through contact with rodent droppings, urine, saliva, nesting materials, or contaminated dust. Depending on which area in the world an individual is exposed to hantavirus, transmission and symptoms may differ.
The two syndromes that can develop as a result of exposure are hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). HPS is more common in the Western Hemisphere. The deer mouse is responsible for the majority of cases identified in the United States. HFRS cases are found mainly in Europe and Asia, but specific types such as Seoul virus can be found worldwide.
Symptoms
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)
Early symptoms of HPS usually start 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent and can include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches specifically in large muscle groups such as the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders. Patients may also experience headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Late symptoms of HPS may include coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest caused by fluid in the lungs. HPS can become severe and requires urgent medical evaluation if respiratory symptoms develop after possible rodent exposure.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)
Initial symptoms of HFRS can begin as early as 1 to 2 weeks after exposure, however symptoms may take up to 8 weeks to develop. Early symptoms include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, blurred vision, flushing of the face, eye inflammation, or rash. Later symptoms include low blood pressure, reduced blood flow, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.
Diagnosing hantavirus early in the illness, including within the first 72 hours, can be difficult. If initial testing is negative but symptoms continue or clinical concern remains, testing may need to be repeated 72 hours after symptoms develop. As early symptoms can be confused with influenza or other viral illnesses, it is important to inform your health care provider of any possible exposure to rodents.
Treatment
There isn’t a specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus disease. Patients with hantavirus disease receive supportive care measures and monitoring for complications involving the lungs and kidneys. Severe illness may require hospitalization. Complete recovery can require several weeks to months.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of exposure to hantavirus, it is important to avoid contact with rodents. As rodents may enter a home via holes and gaps, sealing these entry points around the home can deter their entry. Additionally, removing potential food sources, water, and items that can provide shelter to rodents, will help prevent infestation. The diseases rodents carry can spread through directly handling rodents, rodent bites, and contact with their droppings, urine, saliva, nesting materials, or contaminated dust.. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, urine, nesting materials or contaminated dust, as this may spread particles into the air. For more information, the CDC has specific instructions for trapping, sealing up entry points, and cleaning up after rodents.