Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried mainly by rodents such as rats and mice. Humans can become infected when they breathe in air contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. In rare cases, it can also spread through rodent bites.
How people get infected
Common ways include:
- Sweeping or cleaning places with rodent droppings without protection
- Living or working in rodent-infested areas
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face
- Camping or sleeping in areas with infected rodents
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 1–8 weeks after exposure and may start like flu:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
Severe cases can develop into:
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- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Low blood pressure
- Kidney problems
Some types can cause a serious lung illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which can become life-threatening.
Prevention
- Keep homes and workplaces free of rodents
- Seal holes where rodents enter
- Store food properly
- Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning rodent droppings
- Spray disinfectant before cleaning instead of sweeping dry droppings
Treatment
There is no specific cure or vaccine widely available for most hantaviruses. Treatment focuses on supportive hospital care, especially helping with breathing and fluids. Early medical attention improves survival chances.
If someone has flu-like symptoms after exposure to rats or mice, they should seek medical care quickly.