Hanta Virus Syndrome(HPS)

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious infectious disease that typically begins with flu-like symptoms and can rapidly progress to severe illness. In advanced stages, it may cause life-threatening complications involving the lungs and heart. This condition is also known as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome.

HPS is caused by several strains of hantavirus, each carried by specific types of rodents. In North America, the primary carrier is the deer mouse. People usually become infected by inhaling virus particles that become airborne from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Because there are limited treatment options, prevention—mainly avoiding contact with rodents and safely cleaning contaminated areas—is critical.

Symptoms usually appear about two to three weeks after exposure and develop in two stages. The early stage often includes fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache. Some individuals may also experience nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. As the disease progresses, it can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, impaired lung function, and cardiovascular complications. Later symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms.

The condition can worsen quickly and become life-threatening. Anyone with flu-like symptoms that intensify over several days should seek medical attention, especially if breathing difficulties develop.

HPS occurs only in North and South America, with different strains linked to different rodent hosts. In the United States, most cases occur west of the Mississippi River. The virus spreads primarily through inhalation of contaminated airborne particles, though it can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then the face, consuming contaminated food, or, rarely, through rodent bites. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare and has only been documented with the Andes virus strain in South America.

Once inhaled, the virus targets small blood vessels in the lungs, causing them to leak fluid—a process known as pulmonary edema. This leads to severe respiratory and cardiac dysfunction. A related hantavirus illness, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, primarily affects the kidneys and occurs in other parts of the world.

Risk is highest in rural areas and in environments where people may encounter rodent nests or droppings, such as farm buildings, sheds, cabins, campsites, attics, basements, and construction sites. Activities like cleaning long-unused spaces or working in rodent-prone environments increase exposure risk.

HPS can be fatal, with mortality rates ranging from about 30% to 50% depending on the virus strain. Severe cases may result in the heart being unable to effectively deliver oxygen throughout the body.

Prevention focuses on minimizing rodent exposure. This includes sealing small openings in buildings, properly storing food, maintaining clean environments, reducing nesting materials near structures, and using traps when needed. Before cleaning enclosed or unused spaces, it’s important to ventilate them.

Safe cleanup practices are essential to avoid airborne exposure. Always wear gloves and a mask, disinfect contaminated areas before cleaning, use paper towels for removal, and avoid sweeping or vacuuming. Afterward, thoroughly disinfect surfaces and wash hands carefully.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/05/08/hantavirus-updates-outbreak--live/89982270007/

Author

Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch Author and Blogger