Hantavirus Infections

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare viral infection caused by several strains of the hantavirus. It is spread by mice and rats. They shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. Tiny droplets with the virus can enter the air. You can get the disease if you breathe infected air or come into contact with rodents or their urine or droppings.

Most of the time, you can't get the virus from another person. But one strain of the virus found in South America, called the Andes virus, spreads through close contact with someone who has the virus.

Early symptoms of HPS include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, and back
• Headaches
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal (belly) pain

Later symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath.

Controlling rodents in and around your house is the best way to prevent infection. If you have been around rodents and have symptoms of fever, deep muscle aches, and severe shortness of breath, see your health care provider immediately. Early treatment is important.

There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for HPS.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Questions for your care team

General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.

• How does this information apply to my situation?
• Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
• Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
• What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
• When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
• When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?