Health authorities describe hantavirus as a group of viruses carried primarily by rodents and capable of causing serious disease in humans. The infection is rare but closely monitored because of its severity.

The virus is transmitted when people come into contact with material contaminated by infected rodents, including urine, droppings, or saliva.

Infection occurs when contaminated rodent material is disturbed, releasing particles that can be inhaled in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.

ALSO READ: Rwanda to use GPS to monitor bats for zoonotic diseases

Human cases are not spread through casual person-to-person contact in most known strains.

Illness, symptoms

Early symptoms of hantavirus infection often resemble common viral illnesses. These may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache.

In more severe cases, the disease can progress rapidly.

In the Americas, infection may develop into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a condition that can cause severe respiratory distress due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

In Europe and Asia, related hantavirus strains are associated with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which can affect blood vessels and kidney function and may lead to kidney failure in serious cases.

Severity and outcomes

Hantavirus disease can be severe. Reported fatality rates vary depending on the virus strain, the health facility, and access to medical care. HPS has been associated with high mortality in published case series, mainly when treatment is delayed.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infection. Medical care focuses on supportive treatment, including oxygen support, intensive care for respiratory failure, and dialysis for kidney complications when required.

Prevention and exposure risk

Public health guidance emphasises prevention through limiting exposure to rodents. Risk is highest in situations where rodent infestations are present, mostly when cleaning enclosed spaces where dust may contain contaminated particles.

Recommended preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with rodents and their waste, reducing rodent entry into homes and buildings, and using safe cleaning methods that prevent dust from becoming airborne.