CLINICAL DESCRIPTION

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a febrile illness clinically resembling acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS). The typical prodrome consists of fever, chills, myalgia, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Laboratory findings include increased hematocrite, leukocytosis with left shift, thrombocytopenia, and circulating immunoblasts. The patient usually has a history of exposure to rodent urine or droppings. The incubation period is typically one to two weeks but may range from a few days to 6 weeks.

  CASE CLASSIFICATION

1. CONFIRMED

   A clinically compatible case that is laboratory confirmed by:

   • Detection of hantavirus-specific IgM or rising titers of hantavirus-specific IgG, OR

   • Detection of hantavirus-specific ribonucleic acid sequence by polymerase chain reaction in clinical specimens, OR

   • Detection of hantavirus antigen by immunohistochemistry

   
   NOTE: To include a case in the National HPS Registry, the Special Pathogens Branch of the Centers for Disease Control requires two diagnostic specimens and other information. The surveillance and reporting system for HPS requires that the NJDHSS be consulted before any specimens are submitted.
   

   
   

2. PROBABLE
   

   • Not used

3. POSSIBLE
   
   

   • Not used

What you should know about Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?