HANTAVIRUS

General Information

DEFINITION--A group of viruses (named after the Hantaan River in Korea) spread by rodents. The viruses are responsible for widespread illness in Europe and Asia. New strains have recently been identified in the U.S..To date, the majority of patients reside in the Four Corner region of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah. The disorder begins with mild symptoms, but can quickly give rise to acute respiratory failure.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Respiratory system.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Early symptoms (flu-like):

• Chills.
• Fever.
• Muscle aches.
• Cough.
• Listlessness; tiredness.

Later symptoms:

• Extreme difficulty in breathing (the virus causes capillaries in the lungs to leak blood).

CAUSES--Exact mode of transmission is still to be determined. In the U.S., the virus is found mainly in deer mice and is probably spread to humans who breath in air that has been contaminated by the urine, feces or saliva of the mouse. It is not spread by person-to-person contact. Incubation time is 1-5 weeks. Deer mice live in rural areas of many states in the U.S. and Canada. Studies are ongoing to see if other rodents harbor the virus and if any animals that prey on rodents may carry it. There is no indication that Norway rats, common to urban areas, or house mice harbor the virus.

RISK INCREASES WITH--No known specific risk factors. Some environmental factors are involved that allow a population of rodents (like deer mice) to increase. A decline in their population should lessen the risk for contacting the virus.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid contact with deer mice by keeping them out of your home. Contact your county or state health department or an exterminator for information about removing them.
• Research on possible vaccines is underway.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood and urine studies. Quick, specific diagnostic tests are under development.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE-- Hospitalization for supportive care and assisted breathing. There is no specific treatment for the disease.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--The disorder is fatal to about 60% of those infected due to respiratory failure or blood loss.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Outcome is variable. To date, there are no effective treatment procedures to stop the infection once it sets in.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----The family should maintain an optimistic outlook, stay in close contact with the patient's doctor and help by making their visits with the patient brief and as supportive as possible.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe medications as needed to help control the bleeding and improve lung function.

ACTIVITY--Bed rest for acute illness; resume normal activities gradually.

DIET--May require intravenous feeding while hospitalized, then progress slowly to regular diet with recovery.

Call Your Doctor If

You have symptoms of Hantavirus, especially if you live in an area, or traveled to an area, where the virus is present.