Hantavirus: Symptoms and treatment
Hantaviruses are a group of viruses found in rodents worldwide, including in Canada. Infections in people can cause serious illness and can be fatal.
On this page
Symptoms of hantavirus
Depending on the type of hantavirus infection, you may experience different symptoms.
The 2 most common diseases caused by hantaviruses are:
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (North and South America)
In Canada, Sin Nombre virus is the primary cause of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This strain of the virus is not known to transmit from person to person.
In South America, a strain of hantavirus called Andes virus also causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The Andes virus is the only strain with evidence of possible limited person-to-person transmission.
- Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (mainly in Europe and Asia)
In Europe and Asia, infection with hantavirus typically causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Another hantavirus called Seoul virus also causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and is found worldwide.
Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome mainly affects the lungs. Infections can cause mild, moderate or severe disease, depending on which strain of hantavirus infection you have.
Symptoms appear 1 to 6 weeks after being exposed to the virus. They may include:
- chills
- fever
- cough
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headaches
- stomach pain
- muscle aches
- nausea and vomiting
More severe symptoms may include:
- shortness of breath
- severe difficulty breathing
About 30% to 50% of people with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome will not recover.
Symptoms of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome mainly affects the kidneys. Infections can cause mild, moderate or severe disease, depending on which strain of hantavirus infection you have.
Symptoms appear 1 to 2 weeks after being exposed to the virus, and may include:
- chills
- nausea
- high fever
- blurred vision
- intense headaches
- back and stomach pain
Later symptoms may include:
- rash
- flushed face
- low blood pressure
- inflamed or red eyes
In rare cases, infection can also lead to acute disease which may include:
- internal bleeding
- low blood pressure
- acute kidney failure
- lack of blood flow (acute shock)
Depending on the virus involved, 1% to 12% of people with haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome will not recover.
If you become ill
See a health care provider immediately if you:
- had contact with rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva or
- had contact with a person with hantavirus infection and
- have symptoms of a hantavirus infection
If you've been to South America and you are not feeling well, contact a health care provider immediately.
Be sure to mention your travel history, if you:
- have had contact with rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva
- have been in contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have hantavirus infection
The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances for recovery.
Diagnosing hantavirus
A hantavirus infection is diagnosed based on symptoms and laboratory testing.
It's important to tell a health care provider if you:
- may have been in contact with rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva
- have cleaned areas contaminated by rodents
- have been in contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have hantavirus infection
Treating hantavirus
Infection with a hantavirus can be fatal. There is no vaccine or antiviral medication to prevent hantavirus infection.
Treatment is provided to support recovery and improve symptoms. Treatment options include supportive care to help to:
- maintain oxygen levels
- prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids)
Consult a health care provider as soon as possible if you:
- had contact with rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva
- have been in contact with a person suspected or confirmed to have hantavirus infection and are feeling sick
The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances for recovery.