Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a group of viruses transmitted mainly by infected wild rodents and can cause a severe disease called Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS), especially in the Americas.

Although considered a rare infection, it draws attention due to its potential for rapid progression and high mortality rate in severe cases. In many patients, symptoms begin resembling common flu but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory failure.

What is hantavirus?

Hantavirus belongs to a family of viruses found in different regions of the world. Each type of hantavirus is usually associated with specific rodent species.

When humans come into contact with particles contaminated by the virus, they can develop an infection that primarily affects the lungs, blood vessels and heart.

In the Americas, the most well-known form is Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.

How is transmission occurs?

The main form of transmission occurs through inhalation of contaminated particles present in the urine, saliva or faeces of infected rodents.

This can happen mainly in:

  • Houses closed for long periods;

  • Warehouses and storage areas;

  • Barns;

  • Rural environments;

  • Locations with wild rat infestations;

  • Cleaning of contaminated areas without adequate protection.

Transmission can also occur through contact of contaminated hands with mouth, nose or eyes.

In less common situations, bites from infected rodents can also transmit the virus.

Some specific variants described in South America have presented rare cases of human-to-human transmission, but this is not considered the main form of spread.

What are the symptoms?

Initial symptoms are usually non-specific and similar to those of a viral infection or severe flu.

The most common signs include:

  • Fever;

  • Intense muscle pain;

  • Body pain;

  • Headache;

  • Extreme tiredness;

  • Nausea;

  • Vomiting;

  • Abdominal pain;

  • Dizziness.

After a few days, the disease can rapidly progress to severe respiratory symptoms, such as:

  • Cough;

  • Chest tightness sensation;

  • Shortness of breath;

  • Rapid breathing;

  • Drop in oxygen levels;

  • Low blood pressure.

This deterioration can happen within a few hours.

Why can hantavirus be fatal?

Hantavirus causes a significant increase in the permeability of blood vessels. This causes fluids to leak into the lungs, causing severe pulmonary oedema.

In practice, the lungs begin to "fill with fluid", making gas exchange difficult and compromising the body's oxygenation.

Additionally, the infection can cause:

  • Circulatory shock;

  • Heart failure;

  • Renal dysfunction;

  • Multiple organ failure.

In severe cases, many patients require ICU admission and ventilatory support.

What is the mortality rate?

Mortality varies according to the viral strain, access to intensive care and the speed of diagnosis.

In severe pulmonary forms, the mortality rate can exceed 30% to 40%.

Early recognition makes an important difference in the chance of survival.

How is diagnosis made?

The diagnosis takes into account:

  • History of exposure to rodents;

  • Compatible symptoms;

  • Laboratory tests;

  • Serology;

  • Molecular tests, such as PCR.

Imaging tests, such as X-ray or CT scan, can show significant pulmonary involvement.

Is there a treatment?

As of May 2026, there is no specific antiviral proven to be effective against hantavirus.

Treatment is based on intensive support, especially in severe cases.

Depending on the progression, the patient may need:

  • Oxygen therapy;

  • ICU admission;

  • Mechanical ventilation;

  • Strict blood pressure control;

  • Cardiovascular support;

  • Haemodialysis in renal cases.

Early diagnosis and rapid onset of medical support increase the chances of recovery.

How to prevent?

Prevention is mainly based on avoiding contact with rodents and contaminated environments.

The main guidelines include:

  • Keep environments clean and well-ventilated;

  • Avoid accumulation of rubbish and debris;

  • Store food correctly;

  • Use gloves and mask when cleaning closed areas;

  • Do not sweep infested areas before wetting the environment;

  • Avoid contact with live or dead rodents.

When to seek medical care?

It is important to seek medical care quickly in cases of:

  • Fever associated with shortness of breath;

  • Rapid respiratory deterioration;

  • Severe symptoms after contact with areas infested by rodents;

  • Significant flu-like symptoms with breathing difficulty.

Hantavirus progression can be rapid, and early care can save lives.

This content is exclusively informative and educational in purpose. It does not replace medical evaluation, diagnosis or individualised treatment. In case of symptoms, exposure to risk or doubts about your health, seek in-person medical care as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis can make an important difference in the progression of serious infectious diseases.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335