04/03/26 Public Health Education Topic: Hantavirus

Per CDC Español Key points

• Hantaviruses are a family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death.

• These viruses cause diseases like hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

• They are spread mainly by rodents and are not spread from person-to-person.

Signs and symptoms

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms of HPS usually start to show 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent.

Early symptoms can include:

• fatigue

• fever

• muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders

  
  

About half of all HPS patients also experience:

• headaches

• dizziness

• chills

• abdominal problems, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain

Four to 10 days after the initial phase of illness, the late symptoms of HPS appear. These symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. Patients might experience tightness in the chest, as the lungs fill with fluid.

HPS can be deadly. Thirty-eight percent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

HFRS is a severe and sometimes deadly disease that affects the kidneys. Symptoms of HFRS usually develop within 1 to 2 weeks after exposure. In rare cases, they may take up to 8 weeks to develop. Initial symptoms begin suddenly and include:

• intense headaches

• back and abdominal pain

• fever/chills

• nausea

• blurred vision

People may have flushing of the face, inflammation or redness of the eyes, or a rash. Later symptoms can include:

• low blood pressure

• lack of blood flow (acute shock)

• internal bleeding (vascular leakage)

• acute kidney failure, which can cause severe fluid overload

The severity of the disease varies depending on the virus causing the infection. Hantaan and Dobrava virus infections usually cause severe symptoms where 5-15% of cases are fatal. In contrast, Seoul, Saaremaa, and Puumala virus infections are usually more moderate with less than 1% dying from the disease. Complete recovery can take several weeks to months.

Reducing risk

Eliminate or minimize contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite to reduce your risk of exposure to hantaviruses. Seal holes and gaps in your home or garage to keep rodents from entering these spaces. Place traps in and around your home to decrease rodent infestation. Clean up any easy-to-get food that might attract rodents.

To learn more visit: About Hantavirus | Hantavirus | CDC