Hantavirus: An Overview
Hantavirus is a family of viruses transmitted to humans through contact with rodents, primarily their droppings, urine, or saliva. The virus can lead to serious diseases, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). While these diseases are relatively rare, they are very serious, and the conditions caused by the virus can be fatal without proper treatment.
Transmission and Risk Factors
Hantavirus is primarily transmitted to humans by inhaling dust or aerosols contaminated with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. The virus can also be contracted through direct contact with infected rodents or their secretions.
People who are most at risk include those who:
- Work in occupations that involve exposure to rodent habitats (e.g., farming, construction, and pest control).
- Live in rural or forested areas where rodents are common.
- Spend time in areas with high rodent populations.
Hantavirus is not spread through human-to-human contact, which makes it different from some other viral infections like the flu or COVID-19.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
HPS is the most common form of hantavirus infection in the Americas, especially in the United States. It is often severe and can be fatal. The symptoms of HPS typically begin with:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Within a few days, the virus can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and coughing as the lungs fill with fluid, leading to difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the disease can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where the lungs stop functioning properly, and death can occur within days.