Síntomas del hantavirus
Hantavirus disease is often unspecific in early stages and can be mistaken for the flu. Early recognition saves lives.
This is not a substitute for medical advice. If suspected: see a doctor immediately.
Two main forms
HFRS — Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Mostly in Europe and Asia. Causative: Puumala, Dobrava, Hantaan, Seoul. Lethality 0.1–15% depending on virus type.
HPS — Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Mostly in North and South America. Causative: Sin Nombre, Andes. Lethality 30–40%, higher in some regions.
Disease phases
Febrile phase (day 1–5)
Sudden fever over 38.5 °C, severe head, back and abdominal pain, nausea, chills.
Hypotensive phase (day 4–6)
Blood pressure drop, tachycardia, shock symptoms. In HPS, onset of pulmonary edema.
Oliguric phase (day 6–8)
Sharply reduced urine output, signs of kidney failure, possible bleeding.
Polyuric / recovery phase (from day 9)
Greatly increased urine output, slow recovery over weeks. Follow-up is important.
🚨 When to see a doctor immediately
- High fever + contact with rodents or their excretions
- Shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness
- Sudden visual disturbances or abdominal pain with fever
- Reduced urine output
- Stay in a known endemic area in the last 6 weeks
Transmission
Inhalation of virus-laden aerosols from rodent urine, feces or saliva. Rarely via bites. Human-to-human transmission has only been documented for Andes virus.
🛡️ Prevention
- Ventilate rooms with mouse infestation before cleaning
- Never sweep or vacuum dry — wet-wipe with disinfectant
- Wear gloves and FFP2/3 masks in cellars, sheds, cabins
- Store food rodent-proof
- Travel to endemic areas: get medical advice in advance