Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

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Definition

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a disease characterized by flu-like symptoms that progress rapidly to severe and potentially life-threatening breathing problems.

Recognition of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome began with a mysterious string of illnesses in the southwestern United States in 1993. Several young adults experienced shortness of breath, quickly developed respiratory problems and died shortly thereafter. An investigation identified the cause as one of several hantaviruses.

The hantaviruses that cause the syndrome are carried by several types of rodents, particularly the deer mouse. Humans become infected primarily by breathing air infected with hantaviruses that are shed in rodent urine and droppings.

Although hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has been reported in more than 30 states, it's more common in the rural areas of the western United States during the spring and summer months. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome also occurs in South America and Canada. Other hantaviruses occur in Asia, where they cause kidney disorders rather than lung problems.

Because treatment options are limited, the best protection against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is avoidance of rodents and their habitats.

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Symptoms