In recent years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have become more aware of how infections spread and how to protect ourselves. However, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a lesser-known but potentially serious threat that deserves our attention. Caused by infection with hantaviruses found in rodents, this rare respiratory disease can quickly progress from flu-like symptoms to life-threatening complications. Hence, awareness and prevention are vital for those living in or visiting affected areas. In this blog, we look in-depth at hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: what it is, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself from this rare but serious health problem.
What Is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious lung disease caused by infection with certain hantaviruses. These viruses are usually transmitted by rodents, especially wild ones like deer mice, and can be transmitted to humans through diseased droppings, urine, or saliva. People typically become infected by inhaling tiny viral particles released into the air, often during activities such as cleaning out barns, sheds, or warehouses where rodents have been. Once inside the body, the virus can cause lung inflammation, leading to fluid buildup and difficulty breathing. HPS is not contagious between people in most cases, and person-to-person transmission is sporadic. Although rare, the disease can quickly become severe, so early diagnosis and medicinal care are essential.
How Does HPS Spread?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is spread when someone inhales virus particles released into the air by rodent feces, urine, or saliva. This often occurs during tasks such as cleaning closed or untouched areas where rodents may have been active. The virus can also enter through broken skin or by touching the mouth or nose afterwards, handling contaminated materials.
Unlike many other respiratory diseases, HPS is not usually spread from person to person. In most cases, the source of infection is direct or indirect contact with diseased rodents or their habitat. Those who spend time in rural or outdoor areas, especially rodent-prone areas, should take extra precautions during cleaning, camping, or handling firewood.
What Are the Symptoms of HPS?
The symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome usually appear between 1 to 5 weeks after a person has been exposed to the virus. The illness tends to develop in two stages.
In the early stage,
the symptoms can easily be mistaken for common viral infections. People may experience:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches, particularly in the back, hips, thighs, and shoulders
- Headache
- Tiredness or general weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Dizziness or light-headedness
These symptoms can last for around 3 to 5 days. Some people may also notice a dry cough or mild shortness of breath during this time, but the more serious lung symptoms usually develop a little later.
In the second stage, the condition worsens rapidly as the lungs fill with fluid, making breathing difficult. This phase is marked by:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Tightness or pain in the chest
- A persistent, sometimes worsening cough
- Rapid breathing and a fast heart rate
- In some cases, low blood pressure or shock
This later stage is when HPS becomes life-threatening and needs urgent hospital care. Because the early signs are so general, it’s essential to stay alert, especially if there’s been any recent exposure to areas where rodents might be present.
How Does HPS Affect the Lungs?
As Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome progresses, the lungs become the central area of concern. After the initial flu-like symptoms, the virus can trigger a strong reaction in the body’s immune system. This response causes the small blood vessels in the lungs to escape fluid into the air spaces, making breathing increasingly difficult.
This fluid buildup, known as pulmonary edema, reduces the lungs’ ability to engross oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. As a result, a person may feel short of breath, even at rest, and may experience chest tightness or a worsening cough. In some cases, oxygen levels in the blood drop significantly, which can strain the heart and lead to low blood pressure or organ failure.
How Is HPS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome can be difficult in its early stages, as the symptoms often resemble those of the flu or other respiratory infections. Doctors rely on patient history, physical signs, lab tests, and imaging studies to confirm and measure the condition’s severity.
Medical history and symptom discussion
The first step involves understanding the patient’s recent activities and possible rodent exposure. Doctors may ask about time spent in rural or wooded areas, old buildings, sheds, or anywhere rodent droppings, urine, or nesting materials might be present. If someone has flu-like symptoms after such exposure, HPS may be considered.
Physical examination
A clinical examination helps identify key signs, such as fever, fast breathing or heart rate, low blood pressure, and abnormal chest sounds. These may point to early lung involvement or cardiovascular stress.
Blood Tests
Blood tests play a key role in positive hantavirus infection:
- Antibody testing (serology): Detects the immune system’s response to the virus
- PCR testing: Identifies the virus’s genetic material in the blood
- Full blood count: May show a drop in platelet levels (thrombocytopaenia)
- Liver and kidney function tests: Help measure how the infection is affecting the body
Imaging tests
To check for fluid accrual in the lungs, doctors may recommend:
- Chest X-ray: Commonly used to detect pulmonary oedema
- CT scan: Sometimes used for a more detailed view of the lungs
How is HPS Treated?
No specific antiviral medication or vaccine is currently available for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Because of this, treatment focuses entirely on supportive care aimed at managing symptoms, stabilising vital functions, and preventing complications.
Hospital admission and observation
Anyone suspected of having HPS should be admitted to the hospital as soon as possible—even if symptoms initially seem mild. Close monitoring helps doctors detect early signs of respiratory distress or cardiovascular instability.
Once admitted, patients are regularly checked for:
- Oxygen saturation levels
- Blood pressure and heart rate
- Fluid balance and kidney function
- Changes in breathing pattern or chest sounds
Oxygen and respiratory support
As HPS progresses, fluid may build up in the lungs, making breathing difficult. To address this, doctors may begin with:
- Supplemental oxygen: Finished a face mask or nasal cannula to maintain oxygen levels
- Non-invasive ventilation, Such as CPAP or BiPAP in moderate cases.
- Mechanical ventilation: In severe cases where patients can no longer breathe effectively on their own, a ventilator may be used to support lung function
Intravenous fluids and medication
Because HPS can lead to low blood pressure and shock, fluids are given through a drip to maintain circulation. Care must be taken to avoid watery overload, which can worsen lung symptoms. Medications may be used to:
- Manage fever and pain
- Support blood pressure (vasopressors, if needed)
- Treat secondary infections, if present
Intensive care for severe cases
Patients are moved to the concentrated care unit (ICU) if the condition progresses to a critical stage. Here, they can receive:
- Continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring
- High-level breathing support, including advanced ventilator settings
- Treatment for complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), low oxygen levels, or shock
- Organ support: if the kidneys or other organs begin to struggle
Tips to Lower the Risk of HPS
Prevention of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome begins with limiting exposure to infected rodents and their feces. These tips can help reduce the risk, especially in rural or forested areas where cases are more common.
Tip 1: Keep your living spaces rodent-free
Seal small openings in walls, doors, and windows to stop rodents from entering your home. Store food in containers through tight lids, and clear away rubbish or clutter that could attract nesting.
Tip 2: Clean enclosed spaces safely
When opening up sheds, garages, or cabins that have been closed for a while, ventilate the area before entering. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, which can release particles into the air. Instead, use a damp cloth and disinfectant to clean surfaces.
Tip 3: Take care during outdoor activities
If you’re camping or hiking, avoid sleeping directly on bare ground and keep food stored away from where you sleep. Tents with sealed floors and zips offer better protection against rodent entry.
Tip 4: Handle rodent waste with caution
Use gloves when dealing with dead rodents or cleaning up droppings. Spray the area with disinfectant before touching anything, and wash your hands thoroughly after disposing of waste.
Tip 5: Stay alert in high-risk areas
Pay attention to local health advice in places where hantavirus cases have been reported. Awareness of the risk and taking basic precautions can go a long way in ensuring your safe.
Tip 6: Use proper storage in cabins or holiday homes
If you’re staying in a cabin or holiday rental, especially in rural settings, check for signs of rodent activity before settling in. Store all food securely, clean surfaces before use, and avoid sleeping near infested areas.
Consult Today
Suppose you or a loved one develops persistent flu-like symptoms after possible exposure to rodent-infested areas. In that case, it is essential not to ignore the possibility of a more serious condition, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.