Hantaviruses are a family of viruses carried by rodents such as rats and mice. People can become infected by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Depending on the type of virus, infection can cause a serious lung illness or a disease that affects the kidneys and blood vessels. Hantavirus infections are uncommon, but they can be severe, so it is important to know how to prevent them.
Key facts
- Hantaviruses are carried by rodents, which shed the virus without becoming ill.
- Most people are infected by breathing in contaminated dust, often while cleaning closed spaces.
- In the Americas, hantaviruses cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which affects the lungs.
- In Europe and Asia, they cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, which affects the kidneys.
- There is no specific cure, but early hospital care improves survival.
How hantavirus spreads
Infected rodents pass the virus in their urine, droppings and saliva. People can be infected by:
- Breathing in dust stirred up while sweeping or cleaning sheds, stores, cabins or other closed buildings with rodent droppings
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then the nose, mouth or eyes
- Eating food contaminated by rodents
- Being bitten by an infected rodent, which is rare
Most hantaviruses do not spread from person to person. The exception is the Andes virus in parts of South America, where limited spread between close contacts has been reported.
Types of illness
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)
Found mainly in North and South America. It starts like flu and can quickly progress to severe breathing problems as the lungs fill with fluid.
Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)
Found mainly in Europe and Asia. It affects the kidneys and blood vessels and ranges from mild to life-threatening.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure.
Early symptoms (both types)
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back and shoulders
- Headache, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
Later symptoms
- Pulmonary syndrome: cough, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest as fluid builds up in the lungs
- Renal syndrome: low blood pressure, bleeding problems, blurred vision, and reduced urine or kidney failure
Diagnosis
Early hantavirus infection is hard to tell apart from flu, malaria or Lassa fever. Doctors consider it when there is a history of rodent exposure. It is confirmed by blood tests that detect antibodies or the virus’s genetic material.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for most hantavirus infections. Care in hospital, often in intensive care, is what saves lives:
- Oxygen and breathing support for lung involvement
- Careful management of fluids and blood pressure
- Dialysis for kidney failure in renal syndrome
Ribavirin has been used for haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in some settings, particularly when given early.
Prevention
Keep rodents out
- Seal holes and gaps in walls, floors and roofs.
- Store food, grain and animal feed in sealed, rodent-proof containers.
- Keep rubbish in covered bins and clear clutter where rodents can nest.
Clean safely
- Open doors and windows and air out closed spaces for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings, as this raises contaminated dust.
- Wear rubber gloves. Spray droppings and nesting material with a disinfectant or a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and leave for 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels, place in a sealed bag and dispose of it, then disinfect the area and wash your hands.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you develop fever and muscle aches within a few weeks of contact with rodents or cleaning a rodent-infested space, and tell them about the exposure. Seek emergency care if you become short of breath, pass very little urine, or have unusual bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is hantavirus found in Africa?
Hantaviruses have been detected in rodents in several African countries, but human illness appears to be rare and is seldom tested for.
Is hantavirus the same as Lassa fever?
No. Both are carried by rodents, but they are different viruses. Lassa fever is much more common in Nigeria.
