What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus, also known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, is a virus carried by rodents, particularly the deer mouse. Other rodents known to carry this virus are the white-footed mouse, the cotton rat and the rice rat.

Transmission

• Hantavirus is transmitted through the feces, urine and saliva of rodent carriers. Since hantavirus is airborne, humans can contract the disease when they breathe in "aerosolized virus," according to the National Center for Infectious Diseases.

At Risk

• If you live or work in an area that has a rodent infestation you may be at risk of exposure to hantavirus. Rodents enjoy abandoned and/or unclean places and can survive in cold temperatures.

Symptoms

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) begins one to six weeks after inhaling the virus, according to the Washington State Department of Health. A person may experience symptoms similar to the flu for the first two to six days, such as fever, aches, fatigue, headaches, nausea and vomiting that progressively get worse.

Considerations

• Hantavirus is a potentially fatal disease; patients experience fluid in the lungs which causes shortness of breath. The Washington State Department of Health says about one of three people diagnosed with HPS have died.

Prevention/Solution

• If you come across a rodent nest or droppings, wear rubber gloves and a mask and use bleach mixed with water to clean and disinfect the area. Let abandoned areas air out for at least a half hour before prolonged exposure .