From plants and trees to all the animals roaming around, the great outdoors is filled with God's creation. Whether going on a family hike or weekend camping, being outside is a great way to reconnect to the source of life while nurturing your physical and mental health.
While it can be exciting to explore the outdoors, it’s important that you remain on the lookout for smaller rodents. Although it’s rare, they may be carrying hantavirus.
Keep reading to learn more about hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), including its symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and prevention strategies.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare, yet highly infectious, rodent-borne respiratory disease affecting the lungs and heart. Caused by hantavirus infection, HPS begins with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progresses. If left untreated, HPS can lead to life-threatening lung and heart complications. Hantavirus is usually transmitted by inhaling air infected by rodent urine, droppings or saliva. But other ways to contract hantavirus include eating food contaminated with rodent saliva, urine or droppings, touching contaminated objects or being bitten and scratched by infected animals.
Typical carriers of hantavirus are squirrels, deer mice, white-footed mice, rice rats and cotton rats. Although this virus is extremely dangerous to humans, there have been no reports of cats or dogs developing the virus. Interestingly, the virus does not affect the infected rodent. These animals can carry the disease for the course of their life, but viral shedding is at its peak 3 to 8 weeks after the animal becomes infected.
How Hantavirus Affects the Body
According to the American Lung Association, once hantavirus is contracted, it begins to affect the cells that line the tiny blood vessels in the lungs. This causes the blood vessels to become more transparent, allowing fluid to enter the lungs, making it harder to breathe. If the virus reaches the heart, it affects its ability to properly pump blood to the rest of the body.
Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
If you develop HPS as a result of hantavirus infection, it can cause flu-like symptoms, making it harder to identify. After becoming infected with hantavirus, it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to experience preliminary symptoms. There are two stages to HPS. Stage one symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Muscle aches or pain
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
When the disease advances to stage two, it can begin affecting lung tissue, which can cause a buildup in the lungs and other serious heart complications. Stage two symptoms include:
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
If you believe you’ve been exposed to hantavirus and/or are experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to seek emergency care right away.
Risk Factors for Hantavirus Infection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are four main risk factors for contracting hantavirus and developing HPS:
- Cleaning unused buildings
- Household exposure
- Occupational exposure
- Recreational exposure (camping)
Venturing into vacant buildings or cluttered garages puts you at a greater risk since these locations typically house these rodents. Household exposure is also common. When mice or rats enter your attic or house, they leave urine, saliva and droppings in every nook and cranny. When cleaning your home, especially in rodent-infested areas, it can be easy to come into contact with this excrement. Those who work in the agricultural industry, like farmers and construction workers, are at a greater risk of exposure since they spend much of their time outdoors. And, to no surprise, recreational activities like camping also expose you to HPS.
Treating Hantavirus
Unfortunately, there is no cure for hantavirus infection. But the good news is, if it’s caught early, there’s a greater chance of a full recovery. Those who develop HPS may need to spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) for proper treatment. Typically, this involves supportive care like intubation and oxygen therapy, fluid replacement and various medications.
How to Prevent Hantavirus Infection
When it comes to hantavirus and HPS, prevention is the best medicine. According to the American Lung Association, the best ways to prevent it include:
- Bringing the infested areas to the attention of local or state officials
- Identifying potential nesting sites and properly removing rodents
- Open rodent-invested spaces to aerate the area
- Sealing up holes and cracks that rodents could enter
To clean rodent-infested spaces, you must wear gloves, safety glasses and a mask covering your nose and mouth. Consider trimming brush or anything that could be nesting material near your house, and set traps to help prevent the spread of these rodents. Ultimately, eliminating contact with these animals is the best way to prevent HPS.
Compassionate Care When You Need Us Most
If you’re worried that you’ve been exposed to hantavirus or are having concerning pulmonary symptoms, we’re here for you. Visit us here to learn more about our pulmonary care services or to schedule an appointment. We’re committed to helping you breathe easy for a lifetime.
