Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) symptoms & How does affect?

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare and new viral infection. It is spread by mice and rats. They shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. Tiny droplets with the virus can enter the air.

People can get the disease if they breathe infected air or come into contact with rodents or their urine or droppings. You cannot catch it from people.

“Hantaviruses in the Americas are known as “New World” hantaviruses and may cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Other hantaviruses, known as “Old World” hantaviruses, are found mostly in Europe and Asia and may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS),” the CDC website said.

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Early symptoms of HPS include

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle aches mainly in the thighs, hips and back
• Headaches
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
• Late symptoms coughing and shortness of breath

Controlling rodents in and around your house is the best way to prevent infection. If you have been around rodents and have symptoms of fever, deep muscle aches, and severe shortness of breath, see your doctor immediately.

There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for HPS. Patients may do better if it is recognized early and they get medical care in an intensive care unit. They often need to use a breathing machine and have oxygen therapy.

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