Hantavirus

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KEY POINTS

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an infection caused by a virus that you can get from some rat and mouse saliva, droppings, and urine.
• There is no medicine that cures HPS, but treatment may help with symptoms. If you have a serious infection, you will need to stay in the hospital.
• The best way to avoid HPS is to avoid contact with rat and mouse saliva, droppings, and urine.

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What is Hantavirus?

The Hantavirus type of virus is common, but infection in people is rare. The virus affects the lungs and is called Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). When you have HPS, fluid collects in your lungs and makes it hard to breathe. Your muscles and other tissues may not get enough oxygen, which puts a strain on your heart. HPS can be serious and even cause death.

Some wild rats and mice carry Hantavirus even though it does not make the rodents sick.

What is the cause?

You may get infected with HPS if:

• You handle rat or mouse saliva, droppings, or urine from a rodent that is carrying Hantavirus
• You inhale air that is carrying Hantavirus from the rodents
• You touch the rodent droppings or nests and then touch your nose or mouth

HPS is not contagious, which means you can’t catch it like the cold or flu. You cannot get sick from touching another person who has HPS.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms start 1 to 5 weeks after you have been exposed to Hantavirus. You may feel like you have flu symptoms at first and then feel worse.

Symptoms may include:

• Feeling very tired
• Muscle and body aches
• Fever and chills
• Diarrhea
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Belly pain
• Feeling short of breath
• Cough

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. Your provider will ask about any activities that may have exposed you to rat or mouse saliva, droppings, or urine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have flu-like symptoms and have been around rat or mouse saliva, droppings, or urine.

You may have blood tests and X-rays of your lungs.

How is it treated?

There is no medicine that cures Hantavirus, but treatment may help your symptoms. You may need to stay in the hospital. You may be given IV fluids and medicines. If you are having trouble breathing, you may need a breathing machine.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

How can I help prevent Hantavirus exposure?

• Prevent rats and mice from living in your home.
• Control rats and mice living in buildings such as barns, warehouses, sheds, cabins, and storage facilities.
• Avoid contact with rats and mice while camping or working outside.
• If you have to clean an area that has rat and mice droppings or urine:
  • Avoid causing dust in the air.
  • Do not vacuum the droppings.
  • Wear protective clothing including a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
  • Wear rubber or plastic gloves.
  • Use a disinfectant or a mixture of 1 1/2 cups of bleach in 1 gallon of water on the area to be cleaned. Let it sit on the place you are cleaning for 5 minutes.
  • Wipe the area with paper towels, and put the used towels in a plastic garbage bag. Tie the bag shut.
  • Wash your gloved hands with soap and running water before you remove the gloves.
  • Wash your hands with soap and running water after you remove your gloves.