what is hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried mainly by wild rodents. People usually get infected by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva—often while cleaning cabins, sheds, barns, garages, or other areas with rodent activity.

The main concern is that some hantaviruses can cause serious illness:

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): seen in the Americas; can start with fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, then progress to coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs.
• Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS): more common in parts of Europe and Asia; can involve fever, bleeding issues, low blood pressure, and kidney problems.

There is no specific cure for most hantavirus infections, so care is mainly supportive, often in a hospital if breathing or blood pressure problems develop. Early medical care matters.

Prevention: avoid stirring up rodent-contaminated dust. Ventilate closed spaces, wear gloves and a well-fitting mask/respirator when appropriate, wet down droppings/nesting material with disinfectant or bleach solution before cleanup, and seal holes/remove food sources to keep rodents out.

Seek urgent medical care if you develop fever, severe fatigue or muscle aches, or especially shortness of breath after possible rodent exposure.