Hantavirus: What It Is, Why People Are Concerned, and How to Stay Safe

 By Yasmin Chaudhary — The Inkwell Times

Recent news reports about the Virginia Department of Health monitoring potential hantavirus exposure after a cruise passenger returned to the Commonwealth have sparked concern online. Understandably, many people become anxious whenever they hear about infectious diseases tied to deaths or possible outbreaks — especially after living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

While hantavirus is not considered highly contagious from person to person like COVID-19, it is still a serious illness that deserves public awareness and careful monitoring.

So what exactly is hantavirus, how common is it, and what should people know about symptoms, treatment, and prevention?

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses primarily spread by rodents, particularly through:

• Rodent urine
• Droppings
• Saliva

People can become infected when tiny virus particles become airborne and are inhaled. This most commonly happens while cleaning areas contaminated by mice or rats, such as:

• Cabins
• Sheds
• Garages
• Basements
• Attics
• Storage buildings

In the United States, the most concerning form is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a rare but potentially deadly respiratory illness.

Is Hantavirus Contagious Between People?

One of the biggest misconceptions online is that hantavirus spreads easily from person to person like COVID-19 or the flu.

According to the CDC, the strain most commonly found in the United States is not believed to spread person-to-person under normal circumstances.

Most infections come directly from contact with infected rodents or contaminated environments.

However, because hantavirus can be severe and sometimes fatal, health officials still monitor possible exposures carefully.

How Many Cases Happen Each Year?

Hantavirus is considered rare in the United States.

Since surveillance began in 1993, the CDC has confirmed a little over 850 cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the U.S.

Most years, the country sees approximately:

• 20 to 50 reported cases annually

Cases are more common in western states, particularly rural areas where deer mice are prevalent.

Although rare, hantavirus has a high mortality rate. Approximately one-third of people diagnosed with HPS die from complications.

Symptoms of Hantavirus

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure.

Early Symptoms

Early signs can resemble the flu and may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

Severe Symptoms

As the illness progresses, patients may develop:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Fluid buildup in the lungs
• Difficulty breathing

At this stage, the illness can rapidly become life-threatening.

Is There a Treatment?

Currently, there is:

• No specific cure
• No antiviral treatment approved specifically for hantavirus
• No widely available vaccine in the U.S.

Treatment focuses on supportive medical care, especially:

• Oxygen therapy
• Intensive care monitoring
• Breathing assistance if necessary

Early medical attention significantly improves survival chances.

Anyone experiencing severe flu-like symptoms after possible rodent exposure should seek medical care immediately.

How to Prevent Hantavirus

Prevention centers around reducing exposure to rodents and contaminated spaces.

Safety Tips

Health experts recommend:

• Sealing holes where rodents can enter homes
• Storing food securely
• Using gloves when cleaning rodent droppings
• Avoiding sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings directly

Instead:

1. Spray contaminated areas with disinfectant
2. Let it soak
3. Wipe with paper towels while wearing gloves

This helps prevent virus particles from becoming airborne.

Why Public Awareness Matters