Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses carried by rodents that can cause serious illness in humans. Found worldwide, these viruses lead to conditions like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in the Americas or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) elsewhere. This article explores hantavirus transmission and prevention.
Primary Transmission from Rodents
Hantavirus primarily transmits to humans through exposure to infected rodents. Specific types, like deer mice in North America, carry the Sin Nombre virus, causing HPS. Infected rodents excrete the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva, usually without symptoms.
Human infection most often occurs by inhaling aerosolized virus particles. When dried rodent excreta are disturbed, such as during cleaning a dusty shed or cabin, the virus becomes airborne. Direct contact with rodent waste or a bite from an infected rodent can also transmit the virus, though inhalation is the most common route.
Risk of Person-to-Person Transmission
For hantavirus strains common in the United States and Canada, person-to-person transmission does not occur. There is no evidence of the virus spreading from one human to another in North America. A notable exception is the Andes virus, found in South America, which has rarely shown instances of human-to-human transmission. This characteristic is not associated with hantaviruses causing HPS in North America.
Recognizing Hantavirus Infection
Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) typically begin one to eight weeks after inhaling the virus. Early signs often resemble a common flu, including fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, particularly in the large muscle groups like the thighs, hips, and back. Headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can also occur during this initial phase.
As the disease progresses, usually four to ten days after the initial symptoms, more severe respiratory issues emerge. Patients may experience coughing and develop shortness of breath due to fluid accumulating in the lungs. Hospital care is often required at this stage due to the severity of the respiratory distress. If possible rodent exposure has occurred and these symptoms develop, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Prevention and Safety Measures
Preventing hantavirus infection largely involves controlling rodent populations and safely managing areas where rodents might be present. Rodent-proofing homes and buildings can significantly reduce exposure risk; this includes sealing holes and cracks in walls, foundations, and around pipes, and setting traps to eliminate existing rodents. Food sources should be stored in rodent-proof containers, and garbage should be kept in tightly covered bins to avoid attracting pests.
When cleaning areas potentially contaminated with rodent droppings or nests, specific safety protocols should be followed to prevent aerosolization of the virus. It is recommended to wear rubber or plastic gloves and use a respirator mask, such as an N95, to avoid inhaling airborne particles. Before sweeping or vacuuming, thoroughly wet the contaminated areas with a disinfectant solution, such as a 1:10 bleach solution, allowing it to soak for at least five minutes before wiping surfaces with paper towels or a rag. All contaminated materials, including dead rodents and their waste, should be double-bagged and disposed of in sealed containers.