Hantavirus is a rare but serious virus that spreads primarily through rodents—such as mice—and can affect the lungs or kidneys.
This virus is found in rodents such as deer mice, cotton rats, and rice rats. While these animals do not fall ill themselves, they act as carriers and spread the virus.
Dried particles from rodent urine, saliva, or droppings can become airborne and enter the human body through inhalation.
Infection can occur if you touch your mouth or nose after touching a contaminated surface. A bite from an infected rodent also increases the risk of infection.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) causes fluid to fill the lungs, leading to severe difficulty in breathing.
HFRS, found primarily in Europe and Asia, affects the kidneys and can cause high fever, headaches, and low blood pressure.
Fever, chills, muscle aches, weakness, vomiting, and abdominal pain can be the early symptoms of the infection.
After a few days, a sudden, severe cough and extreme difficulty breathing may begin. This constitutes a medical emergency.
There is no specific cure or vaccine for Hantavirus. Treatment typically involves providing oxygen and supportive care in a hospital setting.
Prevent rodents from infesting your home, seal off any entry points or holes, and—rather than sweeping up dry droppings—wet them first with a disinfectant before cleaning.