Hantavirus

Overview

Hantavirus is the name for a group of viruses carried mainly by rodents such as mice and rats. People usually get infected by breathing in dust that contains dried rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. In the Americas, hantavirus can cause a severe lung illness. In Europe and Asia, it can cause a kidney illness with fever and bleeding problems. Hantavirus does not usually spread from person to person. It is rare, but it can be serious, so early medical advice matters.

Hantavirus infection is rare. Cases are more common in rural areas where rodents live close to people, and the risk varies widely by region and season.

Anyone can get hantavirus, but risk is higher for people who live or work in buildings with rodents, clean closed-up sheds or cabins, camp or hike in rural areas, farm, or do field work. Older adults and people with existing lung, heart, or kidney disease may become more seriously ill.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A fever and chills
• Severe muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back, or shoulders
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Headache and dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain
• A dry cough, then shortness of breath as the illness progresses

Symptoms in children

• Children can have the same symptoms as adults.
• Young children may not be able to describe muscle aches, so watch for fever, tiredness, vomiting, and fast or hard breathing.
• Seek medical advice early if a child has been near rodents and then gets a fever or breathing problems.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may become dehydrated more quickly.
• They may develop severe breathing or kidney problems faster.
• Seek care early if an older adult has a fever, confusion, less urine than usual, or trouble breathing after possible rodent exposure.

Causes

Main causes

• Breathing in dust that contains dried rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
• Touching something contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• A rodent bite or scratch, which is rare.
• In rare cases, close contact with a very sick person, mostly with one type of hantavirus found in South America.

Risk factors

• Living or working in a building with a rodent infestation.
• Cleaning barns, sheds, cabins, garages, or other closed spaces where rodents have been.
• Camping, hiking, farming, or working in rural areas with rodents.
• Handling rodents, their nests, or their droppings without protection.
• Jobs that involve field work, pest control, construction, or clearing buildings in rodent areas.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have a fever, chills, or severe muscle aches within 1 to 8 weeks after possible rodent contact.
• You get flu-like symptoms after cleaning a shed, cabin, barn, or other closed space.
• You develop a new cough, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
• You feel very dizzy, lightheaded, or confused.
• You pass much less urine than usual or have severe belly or back pain.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are planning to clean a building with a rodent infestation and want advice on safe cleanup.
• You live or work in an area with lots of rodents and want prevention tips.
• You had a mild rodent bite or scratch and are not sure what to do.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and possible rodent exposure, including travel, camping, farming, or cleaning buildings. They will examine you and may order tests. Because hantavirus can worsen quickly, you may need to be watched in hospital while tests are done.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to look for the virus or antibodies, which are your body's immune response.
• Chest X-ray or CT scan to check the lungs.
• Urine and blood tests to check kidney and liver function.
• Tests to rule out other infections with similar symptoms.

What to expect at your appointment

Tell your provider about any rodent contact, rural travel, camping, or cleaning of closed-up buildings. Early test results may not be clear at first, so repeat tests or hospital monitoring may be needed.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine that cures hantavirus infection. Care focuses on supporting your body and treating complications early. People with severe illness usually need hospital care, and some need intensive care.

Self-care at home

• Rest and drink fluids if you can keep them down.
• Do not clean rodent areas while you are ill.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Follow your healthcare provider's advice and go to follow-up visits.
• Avoid heavy activity until your provider says it is safe.

Medical treatments

Hospital care may include oxygen, fluids given through a vein, help with breathing, and close monitoring. If the kidneys are affected, dialysis may be needed. Providers treat complications as they arise and support breathing, blood pressure, and kidney function.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a usual treatment for hantavirus. Rarely, procedures may be needed for complications, but most care is supportive.

Living with this condition

Recovery can take weeks or months. You may feel very tired for a while, and you may need follow-up visits to check your lungs, kidneys, and overall health. Avoid rodent areas and dusty closed spaces until your home or workplace has been made safe.

Lifestyle tips

• Rodent-proof your home by sealing gaps and storing food in closed containers.
• Clean rodent areas safely: ventilate, wear gloves and a mask, wet down droppings, and do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings.
• Wash hands after being outdoors, gardening, or working in sheds or barns.
• Avoid touching wild rodents or their nests.
• Ask your local health service for advice if you live or work in a high-risk area.

Diet and exercise

Eat balanced meals and drink enough fluids. Return to gentle activity slowly as you recover. Ask your healthcare provider before starting intense exercise, especially if you had breathing or kidney problems.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A serious illness can cause fear, worry, or low mood. These feelings are common. Talk with your healthcare provider or a counselor if you feel anxious or overwhelmed. If you feel unsafe or in crisis, contact your local crisis support service or your local emergency number.

Prevention

Yes. Most cases can be prevented by avoiding contact with rodents and by cleaning rodent areas safely.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine widely available for hantavirus in most countries. Ask your local health service about current advice for your area.

Screening programmes

No routine screening test is recommended. Tell your healthcare provider about any rodent exposure, travel, or rural work if you develop symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe breathing failure
• Shock, which is a dangerous drop in blood pressure
• Kidney failure
• Fluid in the lungs
• Death in severe cases

Long-term outlook

Hantavirus can be serious, but many people recover with early supportive care. Recovery may take weeks or months, and follow-up helps. If you have symptoms after rodent exposure, seek care early — acting sooner can make a real difference.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.