Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: A Rare but Serious Viral Illness

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare viral illness that made headlines as the cause of death for actor Gene Hackman’s wife. HPS is a severe respiratory infection caused by the hantavirus. Although very uncommon, it can lead to serious health consequences and may be fatal in nearly 40 percent of infected people.

Keith Armitage, MD, an infectious disease specialist at University Hospitals explains more about hantavirus and HPS, how it’s treated and how to protect yourself from infection.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is carried by rodents such as deer mice and other small mammals. It’s most common in the western and southwestern states like New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and California.

“The virus primarily spreads via contact with the droppings, urine, saliva or nesting materials of an infected animal or by inhaling air that contains tiny particles of contaminated material, such as when sweeping an area where mice are or have been living,” says Dr. Armitage. “Less commonly, a bite from an infected rodent can also transmit the virus.”

Hantavirus can’t be transmitted between people. And while domestic pets like dogs and cats can become infected, they aren’t known to carry or transmit the virus to humans or other animals. However, they may bring infected rodents into homes, potentially exposing people to the virus.

Symptoms Can Be Misleading

“There can be a considerable amount of lag time between exposure to the virus and the development of HPS symptoms,” says Dr. Armitage. “Early symptoms typically appear 1-8 weeks after exposure and may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache and chills. Because these symptoms mimic the flu, people may decide to wait it out and not seek medical attention.”

“However, the hallmark of HPS is rapid escalation. Very suddenly, the illness can progress to more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and, in some cases, fluid buildup in the lungs, which can lead to severe respiratory distress.”

“Therefore, if you develop flu-like symptoms and have recently been camping, hiking in a rural area, or cleaning out a barn or a cabin where mice may be present, it’s important to see your doctor and mention your potential exposure. Lab tests may be done to confirm or rule out HPS.”

Can HPS Be Cured?

There is no cure or specific treatment for HPS. Once diagnosed, treatment will focus on providing supportive care and managing symptoms like fever, pain and respiratory distress with medications and oxygen therapy.

Prompt medical care and early interventions can significantly increase the chances of survival and a full recovery.

Prevention Is the Best Defense

As with many illnesses, prevention is the best medicine. If you live in a rural area or a high risk state, the following preventive measures can help reduce your risk of infection:

• Control rodent populations in and around your home by sealing up areas where mice might enter your living space. Store pet food in rodent-proof containers.
• Avoid or take precautions around known rodent habitats like barns, woodpiles and abandoned buildings.
• Wear a mask and gloves when sweeping or cleaning rodent-infested areas. When finished, immediately wash clothing and reusable protective gear in hot water, ideally with bleach. Disposable masks and gloves should be sealed in a plastic bag and thrown away.
• If you trap a mouse, don’t touch it directly. Wear gloves and dispose of it safely.

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The infectious disease specialists at University Hospitals have the specialized training and experience to diagnose and treat a wide range of infectious diseases, including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.