Hantavirus Facts

Hantavirus is a specific group of viruses commonly carried by rodents. There is a rare but potentially deadly disease known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome found in particular strains of Hantavirus. Here are some facts you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

How is Hantavirus Transferred?

Hantavirus is spread through the droppings, urine, and saliva of rodents. Humans who become infected with the Hantavirus have often breathed in air, which was contaminated with Hantavirus. However, there are other ways in which rodents can transmit the virus to humans, including through a bite, touching something infected with the virus, or eating food contaminated with infected rodent droppings, saliva, or urine.

Hantavirus has been known to be transmitted through four specific types of rodents: the white-footed mouse, the cotton rat, the rice rat, and the deer mouse. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada states that all contact with rodents should be avoided to reduce the risk of transmission.

What Are the Symptoms of Hantavirus?

Although there are only a small number of individuals infected with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome each year, people should still seek to familiarize themselves with the symptoms, especially if they are occupied or frequent an area where rodents are also prone to exist.

Typically, symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome develop anytime between one and eight weeks after initial exposure to the droppings, urine, or saliva of an infected rodent.

Early Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome:

· Fever

· Aching muscles

· Headache

· Fatigue

· Dizziness

· Chills

· Abdominal issues

Late Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome:

· Couching

· Shortness of breath

· The filling of lungs with fluid

Late stage Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome occurs anywhere from four to ten days after the initial signs of sickness set in.

How is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Treated?

As Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is so rare, there are not a wide variety of treatment options for the infected. However, the earlier that a person receives treatment, the better chance they have at full recovery. Upon recognition that something is wrong, it’s vital that patients receive treatment from intensive care unit specialists, as the virus eventually fills the lungs with fluid.

Two treatment options are supportive therapy and blood oxygenation. Supportive therapy is the traditional treatment route to support breathing and manage symptoms, such as intubation to keep the airways open. Blood oxygenation is for extreme cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome to maintain healthy levels of oxygen moving throughout the human body.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare occurrence, but extra precautions should be taken to exterminate any signs of rodents in your apartment buildings and homes. If you suspect a rodent infestation, don’t hesitate to contact the Edmonton, Alberta pest control experts at Harlow Pest Control. To discuss your immediate needs, with us, call us at 1-855-757-2999.