infections
Hantavirus Infection
Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection
Symptoms of hantavirus infection begin with sudden fever, headache, and muscle aches, typically about 2 weeks after exposure to the rodent droppings or urine. People may also have abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. These symptoms continue for several days (usually for about 4 but sometimes up to 15 days). People with cardiopulmonary syndrome then develop a cough and shortness of breath, which may become severe within hours. Fluid collects around the lung, and blood pressure becomes low. The cardiopulmonary syndrome causes death in up to about 50% of people. Those who survive the first few days improve rapidly and recover completely in about 2 to 3 weeks. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a group of similar illnesses caused by hantaviruses. In some people with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, the infection is mild and does not cause symptoms. In others, vague symptoms (such as a high fever, muscle aches, headache, and nausea) begin suddenly. People with mild symptoms recover completely. In others, symptoms become severe. Very low blood pressure ( Shock ) develops in a few people. 