Hantavirus has been in the news recently due to an outbreak on a cruise ship. Do you know how these viruses spread and how to protect yourself? Keystone Infectious Disease’s Medical Director, Dr. Raghavendra Tirupathi, and medical students studying under him, Drs. Nitya Pathak and Manjiri Babar, explain in today’s Take Care article.
What is hantavirus and how does it spread?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses that mainly spread through rodents. They can be carried by specific rodent species for long periods without making the animal sick. People get infected from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings or saliva. It can also spread through a bite or scratch by a rodent, but this is rare.
The Andes virus is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread person-to-person. This spread is usually limited to those who have close contact with the ill person. The Andes virus is primarily found in parts of South America, though there have been cases in the U.S.
What are the symptoms?
Hantavirus can cause two serious diseases: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
HPS is commonly found in the Western hemisphere like here in United States, and spreads through deer mice and other rodents. Symptoms occur one to eight weeks after contact with an infected rodent or their waste and cause pulmonary issues. Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Later symptoms are more severe as the lungs get filled with fluid which causes coughing, shortness of breath and might also cause tightness in the chest. HPS is a life-threatening illness, and nearly 38% of patients who develop breathing problems die from it.
HFRS is found mostly in Europe and Asia, though it can be found in the United States also. Symptoms develop within one to two weeks of exposure. Early signs include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, blurred vision, flushing of the face, inflammation or redness of the eyes and a rash. Severe cases may also lead to low blood pressure, lack of blood flow (acute shock), internal bleeding (vascular leakage) and acute kidney failure which results in severe fluid overload.
When should someone see a doctor?
If you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills or gastrointestinal symptoms and in the past six weeks you have been in contact with rodents or their waste, spent time in areas where rodents may be plentiful (including outdoor spaces) or have come into contact with an infected person, it is time to see a doctor. These symptoms constitute the early stages of the illness. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome starts approximately 10 days after the onset of symptoms. If your doctor suspects hantavirus, they will recommend a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Is there a treatment for hantavirus?
As of now there is no specific treatment other than managing the symptoms. Patients are advised to rest and stay hydrated. For severe cases, like when HPS develops, patients are usually admitted to the hospital where they can be closely monitored for cardiac, respiratory and renal complications.
How can people safely clean rodent waste?
If you need to clean rodent urine or droppings, you should wear protective equipment like gloves and an N95 mask, and avoid touching your face during cleanup. Make sure the area has proper ventilation and do not sweep or vacuum the rodent waste. Spray the urine or droppings with a disinfectant or a bleach solution (1.5 cup of household bleach with 1 gallon of water/1 part bleach with 9 parts water). Allow it to soak for five minutes and then remove the waste with a paper towel and dispose of it in a covered bin. After removing the urine/droppings, clean the area with a disinfectant. Before removing your gloves, use a disinfectant on them or wash with soap and water to reduce exposure. Then remove the gloves and again clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Who is most at risk of hantavirus infection?
Individuals who are at the greatest risk are those who spend long periods of time in rodent-infested spaces or are in close contact with someone who is already infected with the virus. People who are infected should be isolated, and those at high risk should be quarantined.
How can you prevent hantavirus at home?
Minimize contact with rodents by sealing gaps and holes from where they might enter. Properly store food so it does not attract rodents, and place traps in and around the house.
What should travelers and campers know about hantavirus?
Be cautious before entering cabins or tents that have been closed for a long time. Always look for signs of rodents before settling in. Avoid sleeping in rodent-infested spaces. Properly store your personal items and food in sealed containers so they are protected from rodents.
Conclusion
The overall hantavirus risk to the American public is currently low, according to the CDC. However, cases are reported each year and these viruses should be taken seriously. Take proper precautions when cleaning rodent waste or spending time in areas where rodents may be present, in order to protect yourself and others.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
