Hantaviridae

Hantaviridae is a family of viruses primarily spread by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people worldwide. Infection with any hantavirus can produce hantavirus disease in people.

Overview

Hantaviruses in the Americas are known as “New World” hantaviruses and may cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Other hantaviruses, known as “Old World” hantaviruses, are found mostly in Europe and Asia and may cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Transmission

Each hantavirus serotype has a specific rodent host species and is spread to people via aerosolized virus that is shed in urine, feces, and saliva, and less frequently by a bite from an infected host. The most important hantavirus in the United States that can cause HPS is the Sin Nombre virus, spread by the deer mouse.

Symptoms

Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups—thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. These symptoms are universal. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for hantavirus infection. However, we do know that if infected individuals are recognized early and receive medical care in an intensive care unit, they may do better.

Prevention

Prevention of hantavirus infection is primarily focused on limiting contact with rodents and taking precautions when cleaning rodent-infested areas.

See Also

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
• Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
• Rodent

References

Hantaviridae Resources
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