Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Topic Overview
What is hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a lung (respiratory
) illness that can be deadly. It is caused by viruses found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of some rodents.
Although hantaviruses are found worldwide, the first outbreak in the United States was identified in 1993. Most cases of HPS in the U.S. have been in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. But cases have been reported in many other states. HPS usually occurs in desert areas in seasons when rainfall is above average. HPS can develop at any time, but most cases happen in the spring and summer.
What causes HPS?
Most cases of HPS in the U.S. are caused by one type of hantavirus found in the deer mouse. People can become infected by:
- Breathing in tiny airborne particles that come from rodent urine.
- Touching rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
- Coming in contact with dust infected with the virus.
HPS does not spread from one person to another. People do not get HPS from farm animals, pets, or insects. But your pet may bring home an infected rodent.
What are the symptoms?
About 1 to 5 weeks after being infected with the virus, you may have:
- A fever and chills.
- Muscle aches and headache.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Belly pain.
- A cough and trouble breathing.
You quickly will become very sick. Within a few days, symptoms may get worse.
After a person with HPS starts having trouble breathing, he or she may die within hours. Most deaths caused by HPS occur within 1 to 2 days after severe breathing problems begin. About 4 in 10 people who get HPS do not survive.1
How is HPS diagnosed?
To diagnose HPS, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms and past health. You may have other tests, such as a complete blood count and an oxygen saturation test. Your doctor will know for sure that you have HPS only if you have the signs of HPS and tests show that the virus is or has been in your blood or tissues.
How is it treated?
If you have symptoms of HPS, you need to be treated in a hospital right away. Even people who have mild cases of the infection need to be treated in a hospital. You will get treatment to support you through the illness, such as a ventilator to help you breathe and intravenous (IV) fluids and medicines.
People who survive the illness usually recover quickly. Most are able to leave the hospital after 7 days.
Can HPS be prevented?
The best way to prevent infection with hantaviruses is to avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. If you live in or visit an area where hantaviruses have been found:
- Set metal traps to catch rodents, and block areas where rodents can get into your home.
- Clean up rodent bedding sites around your house, and keep garbage in tightly covered containers. Be extremely careful when you clean rodent-infested areas. You may need to call a professional exterminator to remove the rodents.
- Avoid rodent droppings, burrows, and possible rodent shelters when you are camping or hiking. Use only bottled water or water that has been disinfected.
- Do not use cabins or other enclosed shelters that are rodent-infested until they have been aired out, cleaned, and disinfected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS):
Being diagnosed:
Getting treatment:
Ongoing concerns:
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: March 3, 2008 |
| Medical Review: |
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Mark A. Rasmus, MD - Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine |
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