Hantavirus is a type of virus that causes two man conditions: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). This virus is commonly transmitted through the feces, urine or saliva of infected rodents.
HPS is a respiratory infection that leads to symptoms like fever, headache and difficulty breathing, while HFRS affects the kidneys and is associated with symptoms like fever, chills and lower back pain.
If you suspect you may have hantavirus or have come in contact with it, you should seek medical attention immediately to confirm a diagnosis. Treatment is usually aimed at managing symptoms, and ensuring adequate rest and hydration.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of hantavirus are:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Excessive fatigue
- Abdominal pain
These symptoms present very similarly to a flu infection, which is why an assessment by a doctor is important. Read more about flu symptoms and how they present.
HPS symptoms
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome affects the lungs, and can cause additional symptoms like:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid in the lungs
- Chest tightness
These symptoms appear in a later stage of the disease, about 4 to 10 days after onset. HPS can be fatal, and close to 40% of patients diagnosed with this condition are at risk for death.
HFRS symptoms
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome affects the kidneys, and can cause additional symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney damage
- Blurred vision
These symptoms tend to appear one to two weeks after initial onset.
Hantavirus most commonly develops into HPS in North and South America, while HFRS is more seen in Asia and Europe.
Confirming a diagnosis
A hantavirus diagnosis is confirmed by a doctor or infectious disease specialist, who will start by assessing the patient's symptoms and any history of possible contact with rodents (through a bite, saliva or feces).
The doctor will order a a PCR swab test to confirm the presence of the virus in tissue samples, or hantavirus IgG and IgM bloodwork to determine whether hantavirus antibodies are present in the blood.
A CBC (complete blood count) blood test can also detect whether WBC (white blood cells) are elevated in the blood and whether platelet levels are low, which are common signs of a hantavirus infection. A chest x-ray may additionally be ordered in suspected cases of HPS, to determine whether there is fluid in the lungs.
How it's transmitted
The main forms of transmission of hantavirus are:
- Inhaling virus particles found in urine and feces of infected rodents, which can remain suspended in the air
- Coming in contact (through the mouth, eyes or nose) with objects or food contaminated with feces of infected rodents
- Handling rodents in a laboratory setting
- Bites from infected rodents
People who are camp or hike in the wilderness and people who frequently clean warehouses, barns and reforestation areas are at most risk for being infected with hantavirus.
What is the difference between hantavirus and leptospirosis?
Both hantavirus and leptospirosis are infections that can be transmitted through contact with the excrement or saliva of rodents, especially rats.
However, hantavirus is caused by viruses in the hantavirus family, while leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria.
Treatment options
Treatment for hantavirus should be guided by by a general practitioner or infectious disease specialist. There are no medications available to eliminate the hantavirus, and therefore treatment is aimed at managing symptoms and preventing worsening.
Hospitalization is usually necessary and, in more severe cases, patients may be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Patients with hantavirus will usually require monitoring of their heart, lung and kidney functioning, and more severe cases require hemodialysis and oxygen therapy.
Is there a cure for hantavirus?
Hantavirus can be cured if the patient is closely monitored and symptoms are properly managed. The chance of cure increases if the infection is caught early on.
However, hantavirus can lead to more long-term consequences, like chronic kidney failure or high blood pressure.
Prevention measures
You can take the following steps to prevent the chances of catching hantavirus:
- Keep the exterior area around your home clean and free of vegetation and debris that could harbor rodents
- Avoid sweeping or dusting areas that could be a passageway for rodents; instead, wipe them with a damp cloth
- When entering closed spaces for a long time, open windows and doors to let fresh air in
- Always store food in a safe place and out of reach of rodents
- Wash kitchen utensils that have been stored for a long time before using them
In addition, you should always wash your hands and food thoroughly before eating.