Ways To Prevent And Treat Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a potentially life-threatening respiratory illness that can be caused by infection with hantavirus, a disease carried by rodents. Deer mice are the most common carriers of hantavirus, and patients may become infected with the virus if they breathe air contaminated with infected rodent droppings or urine. In the early stages of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, patients typically have flu-like symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, chills, and a fever. Approximately four to ten days after infection, more serious symptoms could develop. For example, patients might have shortness of breath, and fluid may accumulate in the lungs.