What is Hantavirus? Symptoms, spread, treatment and prevention explained

Hantavirus is a rare but severe viral illness caused by rodent borne viruses which are predominantly transmitted via contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. India has not reported any large-scale confirmed hantavirus outbreak up till now, but health experts show heightened vigilance towards zoonotic diseases with worried global attention following recent international cases associated with cruise ship exposure.

It is important to know the symptoms and early diagnosis including preventive measures to circumvent severe respiratory complications.

Dr. Amit Prakash Singh, Consultant - Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi says that even though hantavirus infections are relatively uncommon, there is worldwide awareness of the disease because a severe form of it can involve the lungs and be fatal if diagnosed late.

“It’s important to know what the symptoms of the disease are, how it can be transmitted, and how to take precautions against it, especially if you are living in or traveling to an area where you may be exposed to rodents,” he says.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is one of several types of viruses and is carried primarily by rodents. There are different strains of hantavirus found throughout different parts of the world. In North America, people are most commonly diagnosed with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease caused by any of several strains of hantavirus. In Europe and Asia, some strains of hantavirus are associated with a kidney disease known as Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Most human infections with hantavirus occur by accident after exposure to infected rodents or an environment contaminated with infected rodent bodily fluids.

How Does Hantavirus Spread?

Unlike most types of hantavirus strains, the virus isn’t easily passed from one person to another through day-to-day interactions. Most commonly, the virus is transmitted through contact with rat droppings, urine, or saliva.

Common ways the virus can be transmitted to people include:

1. Inhaling the virus through the air from dried rodent urine, saliva, or droppings during any type of cleaning without proper protection

2. Skin contact with contaminated surfaces and then touching your face

3. Eating food that has been contaminated by rodents

4. Biting by rodents (rare or as compared to how aerosolized droplets are transmitted)

Those engaged in cleaning up closed spaces such as garages, basements, storage rooms, barns, cabins, and warehouses will generally have a higher risk of exposure compared to people who are not involved in cleaning. Outdoor workers (campers), persons working in farming, persons engaged in the construction of new or refurbished buildings, and persons engaged in pest control are also likely to have higher levels of exposure.

Symptoms of Hantavirus infection:

The symptoms of the virus can be very much like those of the flu, which can lead to difficulty in confirming an accurate diagnosis during the first week or two of the illness.

Initial symptoms:

People experiencing the initial onset of the virus may have fever, chills, general malaise, body aches, headache, fatigue, and muscle soreness (in the back and legs), or experiences of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Given the variety of symptoms, many people will likely think that they have “the flu” or an unrelated viral illness initially, prior to receiving a definite diagnosis from their physician.

Late symptoms:

In some cases, after several days, the symptoms can become severe (and may become life-threatening) and include: shortness of breath; persistent cough; persistent chest pain; difficulty breathing; an increased heart rate; and decreased blood pressure. These symptoms may occur because there is fluid beginning to accumulate in the lungs, making it increasingly difficult to breathe, and if not treated, patients may need immediate emergency hospital treatment or respiratory assistance for maintenance or survival.

Is Hantavirus common?

The number of individuals infected with Hantavirus is considerably lower than other viral infections that are prevalent worldwide; however, Hantavirus is still considered to be a major threat to public health because of the rapid progression of severe symptoms if treatment is not provided promptly, as well as the overall high case mortality rate. Hantavirus infection has been associated primarily with environmental exposure to rodent droppings in urban areas and/or blood. Because most cases are reported in developing areas where living conditions are unsatisfactory; therefore, urban outbreaks are generally fewer in occurrences when compared with outbreaks in rural locations and/or poorly ventilated spaces.

Is there any vaccine or shot available?

At this time, there are no vaccines for Hantavirus that have been approved by health authorities in most countries, and still, many countries, including India, are conducting research to develop vaccines; therefore, it is possible that new information may become available regarding Hantavirus vaccination in the future. Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug or medication that is recommended for all Hantavirus infections. Treatment focuses on providing supportive treatments for respiratory failure (by improving oxygen levels and blood pressure) as well as providing oxygen therapy to maintain adequate oxygen saturation levels throughout treatment. Early access to medical care after developing Hantavirus infection increases the likelihood of recovering from the infection and having a positive outcome.

How can Hantavirus be prevented?

Preventing exposure to rodents and contaminated areas is essential for prevention.

Important Methods to Help Prevent Rodents from Entering:

1. Make sure there are no rodents in your home or storage space

2. Seal off any gaps or holes that rodents might use to get into your home

3. Store all food in sealed containers

4. Dispose of garbage properly

5. Avoid directly touching rodent feces

Safe cleaning procedures when cleaning up after rodents:

If cleaning areas where you know rodents have been:

1. Use gloves and preferably a mask

2. Do not sweep or vacuum up dry feces (this will release viral particles into the air)

3. First spray the area with disinfectant or a bleach-and-water mix

4. Once sprayed, allow the area to air out for a period of time

5. After cleaning, remember to wash your hands thoroughly

When should you seek medical help?

Individuals who have developed fever, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing after having been exposed to a rodent infestation need to seek prompt medical assistance. Early diagnosis may be difficult due to lack of symptoms being apparent at the time of onset, but sharing your potential exposure from a rodent-infested area could help healthcare providers diagnose you experience a diagnosis faster and provide treatment quicker. Currently, hantaviruses are rare, but the importance of becoming knowledgeable about the disease can help with preventive measures and early detection so that conditions can be treated effectively or eliminated during the onset.