People can get infected with hantavirus when they breathe in tiny particles of fresh saliva, urine, droppings or nesting materials that are infected with the virus. For example, you could get hantavirus if you sweep out a garage that has infected mice nesting in it. Sweeping stirs up tiny particles of the infected droppings, urine or saliva, and makes them float in the air. When you breathe in these tiny infected particles, the virus enters your lungs and you can get sick.
Can you get infected with hantavirus from another person?
Only one strain of hantavirus (the Andes strain) is known to spread from person-to-person, but this type of spread is very rare and requires prolonged close contact.
Signs and symptoms of HPS
Early symptoms of HPS are similar to the flu. Symptoms usually appear about two to three weeks after being exposed to the virus. These early symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches (especially in large muscles like the thighs, hips, back and shoulders)
- Feeling very tired
Some people may also feel dizzy, get headaches and have stomach pain, diarrhea and/or vomiting.
In the later stage of the disease (four to 10 days after the first symptoms start), you may have more serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
How is HPS diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose HPS by reviewing your symptoms and finding out whether you have been around rodents in the last 45 days. Your blood and sputum (phlegm) may be tested for the virus.
Treatment of HPS
The earlier hantavirus infection is treated, the better the chances are for recovery.
The disease can become life threatening within a few days of early symptoms, so it’s very important to get medical treatment right away. Patients are usually admitted to hospital and given oxygen to help them breathe.
Know the symptoms of a hantavirus infection. Call your doctor right away if you develop breathing problems, fever and muscle aches within 45 days of being exposed to rodents. The earlier you get medical help, the better your chances of recovery.
Who is at risk for hantavirus infection?
People who are often near places where rodents live have a higher risk of infection. This includes:
- Pest control workers, wildlife researchers or other people who handle wild rodentsReduce your risk
- People who live in houses, cottages or camps where rodents are living
- Campers, hikers and outdoor lovers who often visit areas with rodents
- People who clean barns, sheds/outbuildings or other grain storage areas where rodents are likely to live
- Electricians, plumbers, home inspectors or others who work in crawl spaces
How to reduce your risk
The first step in reducing your risk of hantavirus infection is to prevent rodents from getting into the places you live, work and play. You must also properly clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent droppings. The Public Health Agency of Canada offers more information on how to do this.