Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is an infectious disease characterized by flu-like symptoms that can progress rapidly to potentially life-threatening breathing problems. <\/p>\n
Several types of hantaviruses can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. They are carried by several types of rodents, particularly the deer mouse. You become infected primarily by breathing air infected with hantaviruses that are shed in rodent urine and droppings. <\/p>\n
Because treatment options are limited, the best protection against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is to avoid rodents and their habitats.<\/p>\n
Each type of hantavirus has a preferred rodent carrier. The deer mouse is the primary carrier of the virus responsible for most cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in North America. Other hantavirus carriers include the white-tailed mouse, cotton rat and rice rat. <\/p>\n
Inhalation: Main route of transmission<\/strong> <\/p>\n Hantaviruses are transmitted to people primarily through the “aerosolization” of viruses shed in infected rodents’ droppings, urine or saliva. Aerosolization occurs when a virus is kicked up into the air, making it easy for you to inhale. For example, a broom used to clean up mouse droppings in an attic may nudge into the air tiny particles of feces containing hantaviruses, which you can then easily inhale. <\/p>\n After you inhale hantaviruses, they reach your lungs and begin to invade tiny blood vessels called capillaries, eventually causing them to leak. Your lungs then flood with fluid, which can trigger any of the respiratory problems associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. <\/p>\n Person-to-person transmission<\/strong> <\/p>\n People who have the North American version of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome aren’t contagious to other people. However, the milder South American variety of the disease can be transmitted from person to person<\/p>\n Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome advances through two distinct stages. In the first stage, you may experience flu-like signs and symptoms that may include:<\/p>\n
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The signs and symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can worsen suddenly and may quickly become life-threatening. If you’ve been around rodents or rodent droppings and have signs and symptoms of fever, chills, muscle aches or any difficulties breathing, seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"SYMPTOMS<\/h2>\n
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In its early stages, hantavirus infection is difficult to distinguish from influenza, pneumonia or other viral conditions. After four to 10 days, more-serious signs and symptoms begin. They typically include: <\/p>\n
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When to see a doctor<\/strong> <\/p>\n