Hantavirus: What You Need to Know

This content was reviewed and approved by Shaina Doyen, PharmD, BCIDP

Hantavirus is all over the news right now. It's hard to know the truth when half of what you hear online sounds like overblown panic and the other half suggests a conspiracy. This blog post will explain what you need to know about this infectious disease.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a family of viruses. It is serious and can be deadly without early care and support. However, it is rare in the United States. Hantavirus is spread mostly by infected rodents such as mice and rats (e.g., urine, droppings, saliva). The deer mouse is the most common rodent that can carry the disease. Andes virus, confirmed as the cause of this hantavirus outbreak, is the only type of hantavirus that has been shown to spread from person to person.

Although rare, spread between people happens with close contact:

• Direct physical contact.
• Long time spent in closed off spaces.
• Contact with an infected person's saliva, respiratory secretions, or other body fluids (e.g., kissing, sharing utensils, handling infected bedding).

In the US, Hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. Symptoms of HPS due to Andes virus usually appear within 4-42 days after exposure.

Early symptoms (easily confused with influenza and other viral illnesses) can include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

For hurting muscles, this is especially in large muscle groups (e.g., thighs, hips, back, shoulders).

Late symptoms (approximately 4-10 days after initial phase) can include:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Individuals are generally only contagious while showing symptoms.

How to Protect Yourself

Most people get hantavirus from breathing in dust that has the virus. The dust gets the virus from animal droppings, saliva or urine. It is less likely but possible to get hantavirus from a rodent bite. Getting the virus from another person is very rare.

Here are a few ways to lower your risk of getting hantavirus:

• Avoid rodents. Keep them out of your house. Store food in sealed containers instead of leaving food out. Use a tent when camping. Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking. Stay away from areas where you are more likely to run into rodents.
• Air out closed spaces. Before you clean your garage or shed, open doors and windows to let fresh air flow through the space.
• Clean rodent droppings safely. Always wear gloves and a mask that covers your face. Use a mix of bleach and water. Don't sweep up the droppings because that can stir up dust that may have the virus.

When to Call a Provider

If you think you or someone you care about may have hantavirus, see your Baptist Health primary care provider right away. Early symptoms can seem like the flu. If you have been around rodents and then start feeling sick, seek help as soon as possible. If you suddenly find it very difficult to breathe, go to the emergency room immediately.

If you have questions about hantavirus, reach out to your Baptist Health primary care provider. If you don't have a provider, you can find one by visiting our provider directory.