Hantavirus infection is a deadly viral disease contracted from rodents.
Hantavirus infection is caused when a person comes into contact with rodents that are infected with hantavirus, or when a person comes into contact with infected rodents' urine or droppings. About 30%-40% of people who contract hantavirus infection will die. In the United States, the deer mouse is the rodent most likely to carry hantavirus infection. Hantavirus infection cannot be passed between humans.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Some factors thought to increase the risk of hantavirus infection include:
Symptoms associated with hantavirus infection include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:
There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Treatment will focus on treating your symptoms and making you comfortable.
The best way to prevent hantavirus infection is to control rodent infestation in and around your home. This involves sealing rodent entry holes or gaps with steel wool, lath metal, or caulk; trapping rodents using snap traps; and cleaning rodent food sources and nesting sites. In addition, take the following precautions when cleaning rodent-infested areas:
RESOURCES:
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Centers for Occupational Health and Safety
http://www.ccohs.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References:
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed July 3, 2007.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: what you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/noframes/FAQ.htm . Accessed July 3, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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