What is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is an illness caused by an infection with the Sin Nombre virus, one of several hantaviruses that have been identified in the Americas. The disease was first recognized in the spring and summer of 1993 in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Arizona.

Who gets Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?

Anyone can get Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Most cases have occurred in the southwestern U.S., however sporadic cases have occurred in most other parts of the U.S. The frequency of the disease appears to coincide with the geographic distribution, population density, and proportion of carrier rodents that are infected.

How is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome spread?

Rodents (principally mice and rats) acquire a lifelong, asymptomatic, chronic infection with the virus. They excrete the virus in their saliva and urine. Humans acquire an infection through direct contact with infected rodents, rodent droppings, nests, or through inhalation of virus particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva that have become airborne through wind currents, sweeping of floors, or similar actions.

What are the symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?

Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscles. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills and/or abdominal complaints. These are followed by an abrupt onset of respiratory distress (difficulty breathing) and low blood pressure. The illness may progress rapidly to respiratory failure (suffocation) and shock (loss of blood pressure). Nearly half of all cases result in death. Those that survive recover quickly, though full recovery often takes several months.

How soon do symptoms occur?

Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 6 weeks after exposure to infected rodents or their droppings, but the period has not been established definitely.

How is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome diagnosed?

Several blood tests are available to assist a physician in making the diagnosis of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

What is the treatment for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?

Most patients will require hospitalization in the intensive care unit for respiratory support (oxygen and ventilator assistance) and/or blood pressure support (medication).

How long is an infected person infectious to others?

Person to person spread of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome has not been demonstrated; therefore, an infected person is not infectious to others.

How can Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome be prevented?

• Eliminate rodent infestations around housing.
  
• Avoid contact with rodents and rodent droppings.
  
• Avoid stirring up or breathing potentially contaminated dust. Brooms and vacuum cleaners should not be used to clean rodent infested areas.
  
• Moisten areas that are potentially contaminated with a 10% bleach solution or other disinfectant solution before cleaning.

More on Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

• Surveillance Case Definitions