Healthy Living
Hantavirus Risks and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Hantavirus is a group of viruses found worldwide, primarily spread by rodents. In the U.S., certain hantaviruses can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). While rare, HPS can lead to severe respiratory illness, requiring hospitalization. Most cases occur west of the Mississippi River, with 864 reported in the country from 1993 to 2022.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hantavirus?
Symptoms typically appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure, making early diagnosis challenging. If untreated, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can lead to organ failure and death. Diagnosis relies on recognizing hantavirus symptoms alongside a history of rodent exposure. Since early symptoms resemble common illnesses, hantavirus is often undetected until severe respiratory distress occurs, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention for those at risk.
With this in mind, key hantavirus symptoms and signs to watch for include:
- Fever greater than 101◦F, chills, body aches and headaches
- Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
- A dry cough followed by rapid onset of breathing difficulty
Is Hantavirus Curable?
Hantavirus has no specific cure, but early detection and intensive care can improve survival. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including oxygen therapy and fluid management. Unlike flu and COVID-19, which have vaccines and antiviral treatments, hantavirus has no proven cure yet. Severe cases may require intensive care, but proper management makes recovery possible. About one-third of ICU patients may not survive the first 48 hours, but those who stabilize often recover without major long-term complications. If you have been exposed to rodents and have hantavirus symptoms, seeking immediate medical care is critical.
How Easy Is It To Contract Hantavirus?
While flu and COVID-19 spread person-to-person, hantavirus is only contracted through rodent exposure, making it harder to contract. It primarily spreads through contact with infected rodent urine, feces or saliva. People can contract it by breathing in contaminated air, touching infected surfaces and then their face or through rodent bites and scratches. Most cases occur in rural areas where rodents thrive, and while pets in the U.S. are not known to carry the virus, they can bring infected rodents indoors. Because hantavirus requires direct exposure to rodent waste, it is far less contagious than airborne viruses like the flu and COVID-19, which spread quickly between people.
How Likely Am I To Get Hantavirus?
People at risk include those living or working in rural areas, particularly near forests, fields or farms where rodents are common. Individuals, such as pest exterminators and animal caretakers, cleaning rodent-infested spaces, such as barns, cabins or sheds, face higher exposure risks. Taking precautions when handling rodent waste can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Preventing Hantavirus
Preventing hantavirus starts with minimizing exposure to rodents. Some prevention steps and strategies include:
- Seal any small cracks or holes in your home to keep rodents out.
- Identify and remove potential nesting sites by clearing bushes and debris and using rodent traps.
- Spray areas where rodents have been with disinfectant instead of sweeping them, then wipe them up carefully to avoid stirring up the virus.
- Always wear protective gear and ventilate enclosed rodent-infested spaces before entering. Consult health officials before cleaning for heavy infestations.
Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of hantavirus exposure and keep your environment safe.
