What is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)?
HPS is a severe and often life-threatening disease that primarily affects the lungs. Symptoms of HPS usually appear within 1 to 8 weeks after exposure to an infected rodent.
Early Symptoms of HPS:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches, particularly in large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders.
About 50% of people infected with hantavirus will also experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Late Symptoms of HPS (4 to 10 Days After Initial Illness):
- Coughing and shortness of breath
- Chest tightness, as the lungs begin to fill with fluid, making breathing difficult.
HPS can be fatal. Studies show that 38% of people who develop respiratory symptoms from HPS may die from the disease.
What is Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)?
HFRS primarily affects the kidneys and can also be severe or fatal. The disease is common in Europe and Asia but can be found in other parts of the world as well. Symptoms of HFRS typically develop within 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to infected rodents, though it can take up to 8 weeks in rare cases.
Early Symptoms of HFRS:
- Severe headaches
- Back and abdominal pain
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
Later symptoms may include:
- Low blood pressure (leading to shock)
- Internal bleeding (vascular leakage)
- Acute kidney failure, which can result in fluid overload.
The severity of HFRS depends on the hantavirus strain. For example:
- Hantaan virus and Dobrava virus can cause severe symptoms, with 5-15% of cases resulting in death.
- Puumala virus, Seoul virus, and Saaremaa virus tend to cause milder symptoms, with fewer than 1% of cases fatal.
How to Prevent Hantavirus Exposure
The best way to avoid hantavirus is to reduce contact with rodents. Here are some key prevention tips:
- Seal entry points: Close any gaps, holes, or cracks in your home, garage, or workplace to prevent rodents from entering.
- Set rodent traps: Place traps in and around your home to reduce rodent populations.
- Eliminate food sources: Clean up crumbs, food scraps, and trash that may attract rodents.
By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of hantavirus exposure.
Diagnosing Hantavirus Infections
Diagnosing hantavirus infections can be tricky, especially within the first 72 hours of exposure. Early symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and nausea often resemble flu or other viral infections, making early diagnosis difficult.
If you suspect a hantavirus infection, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Be sure to mention any potential rodent exposure to help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for Hantavirus:
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections. Treatment focuses on supportive care to help the body manage the infection:
- Rest and hydration
- Breathing support for patients with HPS, which may include intubation (placing a tube in the lungs to assist with oxygen intake).
- Dialysis for HFRS patients with kidney failure, helping to remove toxins from the blood and balance fluids in the body.
Both HPS and HFRS can be fatal, so early detection and medical support are essential to improving survival chances.
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Conclusion: What You Need to Know About Hantavirus
Hantavirus infections are rare but serious diseases that can lead to severe health complications, including lung and kidney failure. The best prevention is reducing exposure to rodents and their droppings. If you develop symptoms like fever, fatigue, or muscle aches and suspect rodent exposure, it’s important to seek medical help promptly.
Key Takeaways:
- HPS affects the lungs, while HFRS impacts the kidneys.
- Early symptoms of both diseases are often similar to the flu and can lead to severe complications.
- Preventing rodent exposure is the most effective way to reduce the risk of hantavirus.
