HANTAVIRUS INFECTION

Infectious Agent

Hantaviruses are zoonotic RNA viruses belonging to the Hantaviridae family. Rodents are the main natural reservoir hosts. Humans become infected mainly through inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.

Symptoms

Clinical manifestations range from mild febrile illness to severe respiratory or renal disease.

• Fever

• Headache

• Myalgia

• Fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

Severe illness may lead to acute respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, hypotension, shock, acute kidney injury, and hemorrhagic manifestations.

Risk Groups for Severe Illness

Older adults, immunocompromised individuals, people with chronic diseases, and individuals with significant rodent exposure are at higher risk.

Global Statistics

• Estimated global infections annually: 10,000–100,000

• HFRS fatality rate: <1%–15%

• HCPS/HPS fatality rate: 20%–50%

• Over 860 confirmed cases reported in the United States with approximately 35% mortality.

Global Distribution

Cases have been reported across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Large numbers of HFRS cases are reported from China, Republic of Korea, and Russia.

Transmission

Transmission occurs mainly through inhalation of contaminated dust particles or direct contact with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.

Exposure Risk Factors

Cleaning poorly ventilated rodent-infested areas, farming, occupational rodent exposure, and poor environmental sanitation increase exposure risk.

Laboratory Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be confirmed by RT-PCR, serological testing, and immunohistochemistry.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for most hantavirus infections. Management is mainly supportive, including oxygen therapy, fluid management, dialysis, and intensive care support where necessary.

Prevention

Preventive measures include rodent control, proper food storage, environmental sanitation, safe cleaning practices, and use of protective equipment while cleaning contaminated areas.

Public Health Response

Public health authorities may investigate exposure history, conduct environmental assessments, strengthen surveillance, and educate communities regarding prevention.

Estimated Case Fatality Rates

HCPS/HPS (Americas): 20–50%

HFRS (Asia/Europe): 1–15%

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Hantavirus Fact Sheet.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reported Cases of Hantavirus Disease.

3. Moore RA, Griffen D. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. StatPearls Publishing.

4. Dalugama C et al. Atypical case of hantavirus infection in Sri Lanka mimicking leptospirosis. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2020.