Hantavirus has been a recent concern following the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, who succumbed to the virus. What is hantavirus, and can you be at risk?
According to the CDC, hantavirus is spread through contact with rodents or their urine and feces. It cannot be transmitted between people. Dr. Robert Baldor, chair of affiliate medicine at Baystate Health, warns that hantavirus has no rapid test like COVID-19 or the flu, making diagnosis challenging.
For immunocompromised individuals, hantavirus can be severe, causing a pulmonary condition. There are two syndromes: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (mainly found in Europe and Asia) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (more common in the US). Initial symptoms include headaches, back pain, fever, chills, nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing.
Dr. Baldor advises that if you come into contact with mouse feces, wear a mask when cleaning it up, and consider hiring a professional exterminator to minimize the risk of transmission. While hantavirus is relatively uncommon in the northeast, experts stress caution and prompt medical attention if symptoms occur.
Key points:
– Hantavirus is spread by rodents or their urine and feces
– Cannot be transmitted between people
– No rapid test available for diagnosis
– Severe symptoms for immunocompromised individuals
– Two syndromes: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Source: https://www.westernmassnews.com/2025/03/11/getting-answers-hantavirus-symptoms-causes