Hantavirus

Fact sheet about Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

What is hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses (germs) found in some rodents. Some hantaviruses can cause a rare but deadly disease in people called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Different hantaviruses are found in different parts of the world.

How are hantaviruses spread?

Hantaviruses are carried by rodents, including rats and mice. Infected rodents spread the virus in their saliva, feces (droppings), and urine. People are infected when they inhale dust that contains rodent urine, feces or nesting materials contaminated with the virus. The virus may also spread when dried materials contaminated by rodent feces or urine are disturbed and get into broken skin or the eyes, nose or mouth. Rarely, people can also get infected from a mouse or rat bite or scratch. Most hantavirus strains (including the ones in the US) are not spread from person to person. 

What is Andes virus and how is it spread?

Andes virus is the only type of hantavirus that is known to spread person-to-person. It is spread by rodents in parts of South America (most commonly southern Argentina and Chile) and, less commonly, by infected people. The rodents that carry Andes virus have not been found in the United States. Person-to-person spread is more common among people who have close contact with an infected individual when they first develop symptoms. Spread between people has occurred from direct physical contact, time spent together in close or enclosed spaces, and exposure to bodily fluids. 

What are the symptoms of hantavirus?

Infection with the most common hantavirus in the U.S. often begins with flu-like symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue, high fever, chills, muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and headache. In some  people, HPS develops after 4-10 days, and symptoms worsen and include symptoms of cough and shortness of breath. The lungs fill with fluid, which leads to respiratory distress. About 40% of people who develop HPS will die from the disease.

Hantaviruses that cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) are more common in Europe and Asia but can rarely occur in the U.S. Early symptoms can include fever, bad headaches, back and stomach pain and nausea. Later in the disease, the kidneys may fail which can cause shock and bleeding. Up to 15% of cases associated with the hantaviruses that cause HFRS may be fatal.

How common is hantavirus infection and where in the United States is it most often found?

Hantavirus infections in the U.S. are rare. Between 1993 and 2023, a total of 890 cases were reported in the United States. The majority of those cases were identified in the Southwest, from the states of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and California. Human infections of hantavirus are extremely rare in Massachusetts and throughout New England.

How soon do symptoms of hantavirus appear?

Most symptoms develop within 2 weeks but may take up to 8 weeks after exposure. There is some variation based on the specific virus.

How is hantavirus diagnosed?

Hantavirus infections are diagnosed by specific laboratory tests. 

How is hantavirus treated?

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infections. Patients with severe disease are usually given supportive medical care and symptom management in an intensive care unit. 

Is there a vaccine for hantavirus?

There is no vaccine to protect against any type of hantavirus. 

Are there any restrictions for someone who has hantavirus?

There are no restrictions for someone who has a hantavirus infection unless they are infected with the Andes strain. Because Andes virus can spread to other people, cases should be isolated with appropriate medical care.

How can you prevent hantavirus?

The best way to prevent infection with hantaviruses is to avoid contact with rodents or their feces, urine and saliva – particularly in areas of the US where hantavirus is most common. You can prevent rodents from getting inside your home by sealing all openings greater and ¼ inch. You should also reduce rodent nesting sites and food sources around your home.

Detailed information about how to clean up areas where rodents have been living is available from CDC on their website: How to Clean Up After Rodents.

How should rodent urine or droppings in a house be cleaned up?

Do not sweep or vacuum mouse droppings or rate urine, droppings or nests. This will cause dust particles to go into the air where they can be breathed in. Wear rubber or plastic gloves and spray the urine and/or droppings with disinfectant, or a mixture of bleach and water. Make sure you get the soiled area very wet. Let the area soak for five minutes and then use a paper towel to wipe up. After discarding the paper towel in the garbage, mop or sponge the area with disinfectant or bleach solution. Wash your hands both before and after taking off your gloves. For homes with a severe infestation problem, additional precautions and/or assistance from a pest control professional may be necessary. 

How should a dead rodent be disposed of?

Wear rubber or plastic gloves when handling any dead animal, including rodents. Spray the dead rodent and surrounding area with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water. Let it soak for five minutes. Place the dead rodent in a plastic bag and seal tightly. Place the full bag in a second plastic bag and seal. Throw the bag into a covered trashcan that is regularly emptied. Wash your hands after taking off your gloves and dispose of the gloves, carefully avoiding contact with the outer surface of the gloves. Reusable rubber gloves should be cleaned with disinfectant or bleach solution. 

Where can I get more information about hantavirus?

• Call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology at [phone].
• Call the CDC toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit their website: CDC - Hantavirus.