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Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by infection with hantaviruses. Anyone who comes into contact with rodents that carry hantaviruses is at risk of HPS. Rodent infestation in and around the home remains the primary risk for hantavirus exposure.
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The time from infection with the hantavirus to the start of illness is usually about 2 to 3 weeks. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome advances through two distinct stages. In the first stage, which can last for several days, the most common signs and symptoms are:
•Fever and chills
•Muscle aches or pain
•Headache
Some people also experience:
•Nausea
The signs and symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can worsen suddenly and may quickly become life-threatening. If you have flu-like symptoms that progressively worsen over a few days, see your health care provider. Get immediate medical care if you have trouble breathing.
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Rodent carriers
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a human disease found only in North and South America. Each strain of the hantavirus has a preferred rodent carrier. The deer mouse is the most common carrier of the virus in North America and Central America. In the United States, most of the infections occur in the states west of the Mississippi River. Other carriers in North America include the rice rat and cotton rat in the Southeast and the white-footed mouse in the Northeast. Rodent carriers in South America include the rice rat and the vesper mouse.
Transmission
The virus is present in the rodent's urine, feces or saliva. You can come in contact with the virus in the following ways:
Effect of the virus
When hantaviruses reach the lungs, they invade tiny blood vessels called capillaries, eventually causing them to leak. Your lungs fill with fluid (pulmonary edema), resulting in severe dysfunction of the lungs and heart.
In the United States, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is most common in rural areas of the West. However, any exposure to rodent habitats can increase the risk of disease.
Common sites for exposure to rodent nests, urine and droppings include:
•Farm buildings
•Infrequently used buildings, such as storage sheds
•Campers or seasonal cabins
•Camp sites or hiking shelters
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can quickly become life-threatening. Severe disease can result in failure of the heart to deliver oxygen to the body. Each strain of the virus differs in severity. The death rate due to the strain carried by deer mice ranges from 30% to 50%.
Keeping rodents out of your home and workplace can help reduce your risk of hantavirus infection. Try these tips:
•Block access. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) wide. Seal holes with wire screening, steel wool, metal flashing or cement.
•Close the food buffet. Wash dishes promptly, clean counters and floors, and store your food — including pet food — in rodent-proof containers. Use tightfitting lids on garbage cans.
•Reduce nesting material. Clear brush, grass and junk away from a building's foundation.
•Set traps. Spring-loaded traps should be set along baseboards. Exercise caution while using poison-bait traps, as the poison also can harm people and pets.
•Move rodent-friendly yard items. Move woodpiles or compost bins away from the house.
•Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
Dec 8, 2022 · Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a viral disease that spreads through infected mice and rats. It can damage your organs and be deadly. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue and aches. Later symptoms include trouble breathing and a rapid heartbeat. Treatment may include oxygen therapy, medications, ventilation and dialysis.
Apr 20, 2024 · Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare yet serious pulmonary condition marked by pulmonary edema, hypoxia, and hypotension. HPS is caused by viruses of the Orthohantavirus genus and the Hantaviridae family. HPS presents with fevers, myalgia, and severe respiratory compromise, with up to 40% mortality.
- Ross A. Moore, David Griffen
- 2023/05/08
Dec 5, 2022 · Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare but serious infection that can become life-threatening if it isn’t treated. It’s spread to people from rodents. ... People usually get HPS by breathing ...
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is one of two potentially fatal syndromes of zoonotic origin caused by species of hantavirus. These include Black Creek Canal virus (BCCV), New York orthohantavirus (NYV), Monongahela virus (MGLV), Sin Nombre orthohantavirus (SNV), and certain other members of hantavirus genera that are native to the United States and Canada.
