Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by infection with a Hantavirus. Pronounced as "hant-uh-vi-rus pul-muh-nair-ee sin-drohm", the term originates from the Hantaan River in South Korea, where the virus was first identified.
Overview
Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people worldwide. Infection with any hantavirus can produce Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). HPS was first recognized in 1993 and has since been identified throughout the United States. Although rare, HPS is potentially deadly.
Symptoms
HPS can be a life-threatening disease characterized by fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by shortness of breath and coughing. In many cases, the disease progresses rapidly to respiratory failure and shock, and it can be fatal.
Transmission
Hantaviruses are transmitted to people primarily through the aerosolization of viruses shed in infected rodents’ droppings, urine, or saliva. Rodents are the primary hosts of hantaviruses, with human infection occurring when people breathe in air contaminated by the virus.
Prevention
Prevention of HPS centers on avoiding contact with rodents and controlling rodent populations. This includes sealing up homes and cabins, removing food sources, trapping, and taking safety precautions when cleaning rodent-infested areas.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for HPS. However, if infected individuals are recognized early and receive medical care in an intensive care unit, they may do better.
Related Terms
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