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Hantavirus infection is a zoonotic disease caused by hantaviruses, a group of viruses that are primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. The disease can manifest in two forms: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Etiology

Hantaviruses belong to the family Bunyaviridae, and are enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA viruses. The primary reservoirs for hantaviruses are various species of rodents, including rats, mice, and hamsters. Each hantavirus species is typically associated with a specific rodent host species.

Transmission

Hantavirus infection is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from rodent urine, feces, or saliva. Direct contact with infected rodents or their droppings, and less commonly, rodent bites, can also result in transmission. Person-to-person transmission is rare, but has been documented with some hantavirus strains in South America.

Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of hantavirus infection can vary widely, but typically include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, the disease can progress to HPS or HFRS.

HPS is characterized by fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by shortness of breath and coughing as the lungs fill with fluid. HFRS is characterized by intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and blurred vision. Later symptoms can include low blood pressure, acute shock, vascular leakage, and acute kidney failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hantavirus infection is typically based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms, exposure history, and laboratory testing. Laboratory tests can include serology tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and virus isolation.

Treatment and Prevention

There is currently no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for hantavirus infection. Treatment is supportive and includes oxygen therapy, fluid replacement, and use of medications to support blood pressure. Prevention strategies focus on rodent control and avoiding contact with rodent urine, droppings, and nesting materials.

See Also

• Zoonosis
• Emerging infectious diseases
• Rodent-borne disease