Hantavirus

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses that are usually transmitted from animals to humans. Hantavirus is carried by certain wild rodents, especially deer mice. In North and South America, hantavirus infection can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), also called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a serious illness that affects the lungs and breathing.

Different types of hantaviruses can cause different illnesses depending on the region of the world. In North and South America, hantavirus infection most commonly causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), also called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), which primarily affects the lungs and breathing. In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses are more commonly associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), a condition that mainly affects the kidneys and blood vessels.

Hantavirus infection is rare. Between 1993 and 2023, there were only 890 total reported cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

People who live, work or spend time in rural or semi-rural settings may have a higher risk of exposure. Higher risk areas include cabins, sheds, campsites, barns and other areas where rodents may live.

Hantavirus infection can be severe and may become life-threatening without prompt medical care.

Causes

Hantavirus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodents or materials contaminated by rodents.

Common Ways Hantavirus Spreads

• Breathing in air contaminated with tiny particles from rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials
• Eating food contaminated with rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials
• Getting bitten by an infected rodent (rare)
• Touching rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes

Is Hantavirus Contagious?

Most hantaviruses do not spread from person to person. However, the Andes virus, a rare type of hantavirus found in South America, has been linked to limited person-to-person spread among close contacts.

You cannot get hantavirus from:

• Dogs or cats
• Farm animals
• Guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils or other pet store rodents
• Mosquitoes

Prevention

Reducing contact with rodents is the best way to prevent hantavirus infection. Safe cleaning practices are also important because disturbing droppings or nesting materials can release virus particles into the air.

• Eliminate brush, grass and junk around the home
• Move woodpiles, trash and hay stacks away from buildings
• Place traps around rodent-prone areas
• Seal holes and gaps in homes, garages and sheds
• Tightly cover trash cans

Safe Cleanup Tips

• Air out closed buildings before cleaning
• Avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings or nesting materials
• Spray contaminated areas with disinfectant or bleach solution before cleaning
• Use rubber gloves and a protective mask when cleaning rodent-infested areas
• Wet surfaces thoroughly before wiping them down

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of hantavirus infection often develop 1 to 8 weeks after exposure. Early symptoms can resemble the flu before progressing to more serious breathing problems.

Early Symptoms

• Cough
• Fever
• Muscle aches, especially in the back, hips, shoulders and thighs
• Nausea or vomiting

Some people may also experience:

• Dizziness
• Joint aches
• In rare occasions, sore throat or runny nose

Later Symptoms

As the illness progresses, fluid can build up in the lungs and make breathing difficult. Symptoms may include:

• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe shortness of breath

Tell your doctor if you may have been exposed to rodents and develop these symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Blue lips or fingertips
• Chest pain or severe chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing or worsening shortness of breath
• Severe weakness, confusion or fainting

These symptoms may indicate severe hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and require emergency treatment.

Diagnosis

Hantavirus can be difficult to diagnose early because symptoms may resemble other viral illnesses. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, possible rodent exposure and test results when evaluating for hantavirus infection. With successful treatment, most people fully recover with no lasting effects.

Lab Tests

Blood Tests

Blood tests are commonly used to look for signs of hantavirus infection. These tests may detect antibodies produced by the immune system or changes in blood counts that suggest infection. Because early testing may not always detect the virus, repeat testing may sometimes be needed.

Imaging Tests

Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray can help identify fluid buildup in the lungs caused by hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This test helps doctors evaluate the severity of lung involvement and monitor changes over time.

CT Scan

A CT scan provides more detailed images of the lungs than a standard X-ray. It may be used in more severe or complicated cases to evaluate lung damage and rule out other conditions.

Treatment

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment proven to cure hantavirus infection. Early medical care and supportive treatment that closely monitors and manages breathing, heart and kidney functions can improve health during infection.

Therapies

Doctors can provide several therapies to improve conditions for patients with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), including the following:

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy is often used to help improve oxygen levels in people with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Oxygen may be delivered through a mask or nasal tube depending on the severity of breathing problems. This treatment helps support the lungs while the body recovers from infection.

Mechanical Ventilation

In severe cases, a breathing machine called a mechanical ventilator may be needed. A ventilator helps move oxygen into the lungs when breathing becomes difficult or the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen on their own. This treatment is usually provided in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

ECMO is a specialized therapy used in life-threatening cases of respiratory failure. Blood is circulated through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide before returning it to the body. ECMO may be considered when severe lung failure does not improve with standard treatments.

When to See a Specialist

It’s important to seek medical care if you or a loved one:

• Develops flu-like symptoms after possible rodent exposure
• Has worsening cough or shortness of breath
• Works or spends time in areas with rodent infestations

At National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, our specialists provide expert care for serious respiratory infections and lung diseases. Learn more about our Infectious Disease Program or use the button below to make an appointment.