Hantavirus: Symptoms, Risks and What to Know
Hantavirus is making headlines, raising questions about risk and symptoms. Dr. Dora Savani-Blackham, an infectious disease specialist at St. Elizabeth Physicians, shares what you need to know about this rare but serious illness.
1. What is hantavirus, and how are people exposed?
Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses, meaning they have an animal reservoir, with nearly global distribution. These viruses cause two severe diseases in humans: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Europe and Asia, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the Americas.
People are exposed through contact with rodent saliva, feces, droplets and, in rare cases, a rodent bite.
2. How is hantavirus spread?
Several strains of hantavirus exist and are transmitted differently.
The Sin Nombre virus strain in North America is not transmitted from human to human. Infection occurs when a person is exposed to rodent secretions.
The Andes virus strain in South America, primarily in Argentina and Chile, has been shown rarely to be transmitted person-to-person in close-contact settings.
3. What symptoms should you watch for—and when should you seek care?
Early symptoms are not distinguishable from other viral illnesses like the flu.
After an incubation period of one to eight weeks, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms can progress rapidly to acute respiratory failure. Individuals should seek medical care as soon as symptoms begin.
4. How serious is hantavirus, and how is it treated?
Hantavirus is a very serious respiratory illness in the Americas and requires a high level of care, usually in the intensive care unit.
Treatment is supportive, and no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines are available at this time.
5. Who is most at risk?
Hantavirus infections occur mainly in the spring and summer, with higher risk in rural areas where rodents are prevalent.
Individuals may be exposed while cleaning garages, cabins and sheds where rodent activity is present.
Learn more about St. Elizabeth Infectious Disease experts right here.
