Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly respiratory illness spread by infected deer mice. Humans catch the illness from exposure to rodent droppings or urine, but the risk is low, even if you’re dealing with rodents at home.
If you find signs of mice, experts recommend sealing up your home, cleaning safely, and seeking medical care if symptoms appear. The virus was responsible for the February death of a 65-year-old woman in New Mexico who had been searching for information online about flu-like symptoms before her demise.
Hantavirus is mainly carried by deer mice that live in rural areas west of the Mississippi River. These mice can spread the virus to each other, and sometimes they pass it on to humans through inhalation or a bite.
Once the virus enters your system, it can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), which leads to flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. The majority of people recover from infections, but roughly four in 10 who develop HPS die from it.
The risk of getting infected with hantavirus is low for most people, especially if they live in urban or suburban areas. However, if you’re vacationing in a cabin in a rural area with mouse activity and history of outbreaks, your risk increases.
If you have mice in your home, seal up your space, clean safely, and wear protective gear to minimize exposure. If you develop symptoms, go to an emergency room with an ICU. HPS is typically treated with supportive care, but more data is needed on the effectiveness of antiviral drugs like Ribavirin.
By understanding what hantavirus is, how it’s spread, and taking precautions, you can protect yourself from this rare but deadly illness.
Source: https://www.health.com/hantavirus-what-to-know-11719852