Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a family of viruses carried by rodents that can cause severe illness in humans. Hantavirus is rare but can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe, sometimes fatal respiratory disease. There are multiple strains of hantavirus, with only one strain, the Andes virus, known to spread person to person.

Hantavirus is a virus that is spread through contact with or breathing in virus particles from infected rodents and their droppings. This typically can happen when a person encounters dust or aerosols created when cleaning in areas with rodent feces or urine. If those particles are kicked into the air, they can be inhaled.

The most common strain of hantavirus in the United States is the Sin Nombre strain, which is not known to spread person to person. From 1993 to 2023, there were fewer than 900 documented cases of hantavirus in the United States.

The Andes strain of hantavirus is primarily found in South America and is the only version known to be able to spread person to person. It can be spread by close physical contact with an infected individual, such as kissing, sharing food or sharing living spaces. Most hantavirus cases reported in the Americas occur in South America, primarily in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

Hantavirus infects the lungs and can cause viral pneumonia, which can lead to severe respiratory illness and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS initially causes flu-like symptoms that can lead to more severe illness. HPS symptoms usually begin 1-8 weeks after exposure to hantavirus. The condition can progress rapidly, and it is important to seek immediate treatment.

Early symptoms of HPS can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Advanced symptoms of HPS include:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle aches
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heart rate
• Respiratory failure

If you are concerned you have been exposed to hantavirus, you should contact your medical professional. Hantavirus symptoms can resemble other viral infections, and a doctor can order further testing.

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus. Patient care of hantavirus consists of supportive measures including the treatment of symptoms. Severe cases can be deadly.

There is no vaccine for hantavirus. Preventing hantavirus infection relies on reducing contact with rodents and ensuring proper cleanup if rodents are present.

General hantavirus prevention includes:

• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding kissing or intimate contact with someone who may be infected
• Not sharing drinks or smoking materials with someone who may be infected
• Avoiding sharing food with someone who may be infected
• Maintaining distance from someone who may be infected

Learn more about hantavirus by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)