From the Guidelines
Hantavirus infection symptoms typically begin with flu-like manifestations including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. These initial symptoms usually appear 1-8 weeks after exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. As the disease progresses, it can develop into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), characterized by:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can rapidly lead to respiratory failure This progression often happens quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. Some patients may also experience:
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced heart efficiency
- Kidney problems Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial, especially if there has been potential exposure to rodents, as prompt medical attention significantly improves outcomes. The respiratory symptoms of HPS are particularly dangerous, with a mortality rate of approximately 38% 1. There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection beyond supportive care, which may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and management of fluid balance in severe cases. It is essential to follow updated recommendations for prevention and control of hantavirus infections, such as those provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, to reduce the risk of exposure and subsequent infection.
From the Research
Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection
The symptoms of Hantavirus infection can vary depending on the type of virus and the severity of the disease. Some common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Kidney failure, which is a characteristic sign of hantavirus infections 2
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Leukocytosis (high white blood cell count)
- Capillary leak syndrome associated with shock in most severe cases 3
Clinical Presentations
Hantavirus infection can result in two clinical syndromes:
- Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Old World hantaviruses
- Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) caused by New World hantaviruses 4 The clinical presentation of HFRS varies from subclinical, mild, and moderate to severe, depending in part on the causative agent of the disease 4.
Severity of Disease
The severity of the disease can depend on the type of virus and the individual's genetic predisposition. For example: