According to the CDC hantavirus overview, hantaviruses are a family of viruses mainly spread by rodents such as mice and rats. People usually become infected through contact with rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or contaminated nesting materials. (CDC)
Key points from the CDC:
- Hantaviruses can cause two major illnesses:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which affects the lungs and is found mainly in the Americas.
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which affects the kidneys and is more common in Europe and Asia. (CDC)
- In the U.S., the most common carrier is the deer mouse. The virus is usually not spread person-to-person. (CDC)
- Early HPS symptoms resemble the flu:
- feverfatiguemuscle achesheadachesnausea and abdominal issues
- HFRS symptoms include:
- severe headaches
- back/abdominal pain
- fever
- blurred vision
- low blood pressure
- kidney failure in severe cases. (CDC)
- There is no specific cure for hantavirus infection. Treatment focuses on supportive care such as oxygen therapy, hydration, and sometimes dialysis for kidney complications. (CDC)
- Prevention centers on avoiding rodents and safely cleaning contaminated areas:
- seal holes in homes
- use traps
- avoid stirring up droppings
- use precautions when cleaning rodent-infested spaces. (CDC)
Origin Source: https://www.datawrapper.de/_/5eDdq/