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HANTA VIRUS 

Hantavirus is a rare but serious viral disease spread mainly through contact with infected rodents and their urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans usually become infected by inhaling contaminated dust particles.

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The infection can lead to two major syndromes:

  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) – affects the kidneys

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS/HCPS) – affects the lungs and heart

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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is particularly severe and can be life-threatening.

Information in brief 

Causes

Hantavirus belongs to the Hantaviridae family of viruses and is carried by rodents such as:

  • Deer mice

  • Rats

  • Field mice

  • Voles

How Does Hantavirus Spread?

Hantavirus spreads through:

  • Inhalation of aerosolized rodent urine or droppings

  • Contact with contaminated surfaces

  • Rodent bites (rare)

  • Contaminated food or dust

Common risk areas include:

  • Farms

  • Grain storage areas

  • Forests and campsites

  • Poorly ventilated closed spaces

The virus does not usually spread from person to person, except in rare strains such as Andes virus.

Symptoms of Hantavirus

Early Symptoms:

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Symptoms usually appear 1–6 weeks after exposure and may include:

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  • Fever

  • Severe body aches

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Chills

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Abdominal pain

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Severe Symptoms:

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As the disease progresses, patients may develop:

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  • Shortness of breath

  • Cough

  • Low blood pressure

  • Pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs)

  • Kidney failure

  • Bleeding manifestations

  • Shock

Types of Hantavirus Disease

1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

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Common in North and South America.

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Key features:

  • Rapid breathing difficulty

  • Lung fluid accumulation

  • Severe oxygen deficiency

  • High mortality rate

 

2. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

 

More common in Asia and Europe.

 

Key features:

  • Fever and bleeding tendency

  • Low blood pressure

  • Acute kidney injury

  • Reduced urine output

Who Is at Risk?

People at higher risk include:

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  • Farmers

  • Campers and trekkers

  • Pest control workers

  • Construction workers

  • People exposed to rodent-infested area

Diagnosis

Doctors may suspect hantavirus in patients with:

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  • Fever

  • Low platelet count

  • Kidney injury or lung involvement

  • History of rodent exposure

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Diagnostic tests include:

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  • Hantavirus IgM antibody test

  • PCR testing

  • Blood tests

  • Chest X-ray or CT scan

Treatment

There is no specific cure for most hantavirus infections. Treatment mainly focuses on supportive care.

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Treatment Options:

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  • Oxygen therapy

  • ICU monitoring

  • Mechanical ventilation

  • Fluid and electrolyte management

  • Dialysis for kidney failure

  • Blood pressure support

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Early hospitalization significantly improves survival.

Prevention Tips

The best way to prevent hantavirus is to avoid rodent exposure.

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Prevention Measures

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  • Keep homes and storage areas rodent-free

  • Seal holes and cracks

  • Store food properly

  • Use gloves and masks while cleaning rodent-infested areas

  • Avoid sweeping dry rodent droppings; disinfect first

When to See a Doctor

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop:

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  • Fever with breathing difficulty

  • Severe weakness after rodent exposure

  • Sudden shortness of breath

  • Reduced urine output

  • Signs of shock or confusion

Prognosis

  • Mild cases may recover completely

  • Severe lung involvement can be fatal

  • Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a mortality rate of around 30–40%

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Early diagnosis and intensive care are critical.

Source: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

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