About this topic
Hantavirus is a germ carried by mice and other wild rodents. It causes a serious lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or HPS. Mice shed the germs in their urine, droppings, or saliva. It is also in their nests. People come in contact with these germs when they breathe in tiny droplets of moisture in the air that has the virus in it. This can happen if there are fresh droppings nearby. Some people are infected if they are bitten by a mouse that carries the virus. Others may get sick if they eat food that has been contaminated by mouse droppings. You cannot get this illness from another person. ‚
What are the causes?
This illness is caused by people breathing in the hantavirus germ. It is spread by mice that shed the germs in their urine, droppings, or saliva. It is also in their nests. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are at a higher risk for this illness if you do activities where you may be in contact with mice droppings. Camping and hiking may raise your risk. Cleaning barns or cabins where mice live will also raise your risk. So will cleaning sheds or buildings that may have been closed for a season. You may be at a higher risk if you work in construction, with utilities, or pest control. These jobs often require you to work in crawl spaces, under homes, or in vacant buildings. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Fever
- Muscles aches, especially in your legs, hips, back, and shoulders
- Feeling very tired
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Belly pain
- Loose stools
- Throwing up
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. Tell your doctor if you have been around mice in the last 45 days. You may need to have lab tests to check for this infection. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is no specific drug to treat this illness. People with this illness need to be in the hospital and may need to be in the ICU. The doctor will treat your signs. You may need extra oxygen or a machine to help your breathing. Your doctor will also watch for any kidney problems. Early treatment is very important. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Kidney problems
- Heart and lung problems
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help your breathing
- Lower fever
- Help with pain
Will there be any other care needed?
You may need to have dialysis if your kidneys are not working well. This will help to clean wastes from your blood. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid being around mice urine or droppings.
- When camping or hiking:
- Make sure that your drinking water is clean.
- Use ground pads and covers when sleeping on camping grounds.
- Put tents in areas where there are no rodent droppings.
- At home:
- Seal up holes and gaps in your home or garage.
- Set up traps in and around your home to lessen rodent infestation.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables well.
- Wash contaminated hard surfaces with bleach or disinfectant solution.
- When cleaning an unused cabin, shed, or other building:
- Open all the doors and windows for 30 minutes before you begin.
- Go back in and spray surfaces, carpet, nests, and other areas with a disinfectant. Let this sit for 30 minutes.
- Then, begin cleaning. Be sure to wear rubber gloves.
- Wear face masks when cleaning mouse nests and droppings.
Where can I learn more?
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome/ ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/hantavirus-hantavirus/index_e.php ‚
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ‚
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/hantavir.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hps/index.html ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hps/transmission.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1005/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚