Overview
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly to more severe disease. It can lead to life-threatening lung and heart problems. The disease is caused by various strains of the hantavirus carried by different types of rodents, with the deer mouse being the most common carrier in North America. Infection occurs when a person inhales airborne hantaviruses from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Due to limited treatment options, the best protection against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is to avoid contact with rodents and safely clean up their habitats. If you experience flu-like symptoms that progressively worsen over a few days, it is essential to see your health care provider immediately, especially if you have trouble breathing.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome include fever and chills, muscle aches or pain, headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it can lead to damaged lung tissues, fluid build-up in the lungs, and serious problems with lung and heart function. Symptoms may include cough, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and irregular heart rate. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare provider immediately, especially if they worsen suddenly or you have trouble breathing.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome include exposure to rodents and their habitats. In the United States, the disease is most common in rural areas of the West, but any exposure to rodent habitats can increase the risk of disease. Common sites for exposure include farm buildings and infrequently used buildings, such as storage sheds.
Development
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) develops from several strains of the hantavirus, which are carried by different types of rodents. The most common carrier in North America is the deer mouse. Infection typically occurs when a person inhales airborne hantaviruses from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus then enters the body, and the illness progresses through two distinct stages. In the first stage, flu-like symptoms appear, such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. If not treated promptly, the illness can advance to the second stage, which involves severe respiratory distress and lung failure. HPS can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms that progressively worsen over a few days, especially if you have trouble breathing. This is because the signs and symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can worsen suddenly and may quickly become life-threatening. It is important to seek immediate medical care if you experience trouble breathing.
Diagnosis
To diagnose hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, blood tests are used to reveal if the body has made antibodies to a hantavirus. Your doctor may also order other laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or have been exposed to rodents, seek emergency medical attention.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome include damaged lung tissues, fluid build-up in the lungs, and serious problems with lung and heart function. As the disease progresses, it can result in respiratory failure, shock, and even death. Other potential complications might include kidney failure, liver damage, and bleeding problems.
Prevention
Prevention of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome primarily involves avoiding contact with rodents and their habitats. Here are some ways to prevent infection:
- Seal possible rodent entries: Fill or seal gaps, holes, or cracks in your home to prevent rodents from entering.
- Keep food secure: Store all food in sealed containers and dispose of any open or unsealed food items promptly.
- Clean up rodent droppings and nests: Use masks, gloves, and proper cleaning materials to safely clean up any rodent droppings or nests found in or around your home. Disinfect the area with a bleach solution.
- Control rodent populations: Use humane methods to control rodent populations around your home, such as setting traps or repellents. Avoid using rodenticides, as they can be harmful to other animals and children.
- Rodent-proof your garden and outdoor areas: Keep your garden and outdoor areas tidy, removing any debris or woodpiles that could provide shelter for rodents.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling items that may have come into contact with rodents or their droppings.
- Avoid direct contact with rodents: Do not touch or handle wild rodents or their carcasses, and avoid inhaling dust from rodent nests or burrows. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.