Hantavirus is spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
The infection starts with sudden fever, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes abdominal symptoms, which may be followed by a cough and shortness of breath or by kidney problems.
Blood tests to identify the virus can confirm the diagnosis.
Oxygen and drugs to stabilize blood pressure are used if the lungs are affected, and dialysis may be needed if the kidneys are affected.
(See also Overview of Arbovirus, Arenavirus, and Filovirus Infections Overview of Arbovirus, Arenavirus, and Filovirus Infections Arbovirus, arenavirus, and filovirus are viruses that are spread from animals to people and, with some viruses, from people to people. The animal involved depends on the type of virus. Many... read more .)
Hantaviruses infect various species of rodents throughout the world. The virus is present in the urine and feces of the rodents. The infection is spread when people have contact with rodents or their droppings or urine or possibly when they inhale virus particles in places with large amounts of rodent droppings. Some evidence suggests that rarely, the virus spreads from person to person. Hantavirus infections are becoming more common.
There are several strains of hantavirus. Depending on the strain, the virus affects different organs:
The lungs, causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)
The kidneys, causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)
However, many symptoms of the two infections overlap.
The pulmonary syndrome was first recognized in the southwestern United States in 1993. As of 2017, about 697 cases have occurred in the United States, most in the western states. Cases have also occurred in Canada and several Central and South American countries.
The renal syndrome occurs primarily in parts of Europe, Korea, China, and Russia. Seoul hantavirus causes the renal syndrome. The virus is spread by brown Norway rats and has been spread throughout the world by rats on ships. A few cases of hantavirus infection, spread by pet rats, have occurred in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection
Symptoms of hantavirus infection begin with sudden fever, headache, and muscle aches, typically about 2 weeks after exposure to the rodent droppings or urine. People may also have abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
These symptoms continue for several days (usually for about 4 but sometimes up to 15 days).
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
People with the pulmonary syndrome then develop a cough and shortness of breath, which may become severe within hours. Fluid collects around the lung, and blood pressure becomes low.
The pulmonary syndrome causes death in up to about 50% of people. Those who survive the first few days improve rapidly and recover completely in about 2 to 3 weeks.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
In some people with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, the infection is mild and does not cause symptoms.
In others, vague symptoms (such as a high fever, muscle aches, headache, and nausea) begin suddenly. People with mild symptoms recover completely.
In others, symptoms become severe. Very low blood pressure (shock Shock Shock is a life-threatening condition in which blood flow to the organs is low, decreasing delivery of oxygen and thus causing organ damage and sometimes death. Blood pressure is usually low... read more ) develops in a few people. Kidney failure Overview of Kidney Failure Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to adequately filter metabolic waste products from the blood. Kidney failure has many possible causes. Some lead to a rapid decline in kidney function... read more develops, and urine production may stop (called anuria). People may have blood in their urine and/or stool and bruises on their skin. Death occurs in 6 to 15%. Of those who survive, most recover in 3 to 6 weeks, but recovery may take up to 6 months.
Diagnosis of Hantavirus Infection
Blood tests to identify the virus
Hantavirus infection is suspected when people who may have been exposed to the virus have characteristic symptoms.
Blood tests to identify the virus can confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors do other blood tests to evaluate the function of the kidneys and other organs. If the pulmonary syndrome is suspected, a chest x-ray may be done. Echocardiography (ultrasonography of the heart) is usually done to exclude other causes of fluid around the lungs.
Treatment of Hantavirus Infection
Supportive care
For the pulmonary syndrome, oxygen and drugs to stabilize blood pressure
For the renal syndrome, dialysis and ribavirin
Treatment of hantavirus infection is mostly supportive.
For the pulmonary syndrome, oxygen and drugs to stabilize blood pressure appear to be most crucial to recovery. Sometimes a ventilator Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical ventilation is use of a machine to aid the movement of air into and out of the lungs. Some people with respiratory failure need a mechanical ventilator (a machine that helps air get... read more is needed to help with breathing.
For the renal syndrome, dialysis Dialysis Dialysis is an artificial process for removing waste products and excess fluids from the body, a process that is needed when the kidneys are not functioning properly. There are a number of reasons... read more 
may be needed and can be lifesaving, and the antiviral drug ribavirin, given intravenously, may help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of death.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
ribavirin |
Copegus, Moderiba, Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, Ribasphere RibaPak, RibaTab, Virazole |
