Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an infection carried by certain wild rodents, mainly deer mice. After exposure, symptoms may not appear for one to five weeks.
Early symptoms always include:
-
Fever
-
Muscle aches in large muscle groups (back, hip, shoulder, thigh)
-
Nausea/Vomiting
-
Cough
Sometimes include:
-
Dizziness
-
Joint aches
-
Shortness of breath (late in the course of the disease)
-
Rarely, sore throat and runny nose
After 10 days, symptoms include:
-
Shortness of breath with the sensation of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing
Tell your doctor if you may have been exposed to deer mice and you have these symptoms.
This information has been approved by Gwen Huitt, MD (May 2009).
