Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : May 8, 2026 1:38 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr. Shrey Srivastava
Hantavirus outbreak. (Image: AI Generated)
With increasing awareness of infectious diseases spreading worldwide, healthcare professionals are raising alarm about hantavirus, which is a rare but potentially fatal infection from rodents that's transmitted by contact with infected rodents and their excrement. According to scientists, hantavirus infections can cause dangerous respiratory diseases and kidney problems which is why it is very important to be aware of the infection.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that hantaviruses are primarily transmitted by some species of rats and mice. People can be infected by the virus through rodent urine, droppings, saliva or nesting materials. In most hantavirus strains found in North America the infection is not easily transmitted person to person.
The transmission of hantavirus is mainly respiratory which occurs when dried rodent urine, saliva or droppings are contaminated with virus particles and then inhaled by people. A person can be at greater risk of exposure to the virus when cleaning poorly ventilated rooms, cabins, storage areas or areas that are infested with rodents.
Experts say that it is also possible to get infected by touching dirty surfaces and then putting hands in your nose or mouth. According to the CDC people who live or work in areas where there is a high risk of rodent activity like a farm, forest, warehouse or rural home may be at risk for infection. Exposure can be further increased by poor sanitation, uncovered food sources and cluttered spaces to which rodents can be drawn.
Initial symptoms of hantavirus may be mistaken for the flu. Whereas signs of hantavirus infection typically occur between 1 and 8 weeks following exposure and the typical signs include:
During the course of the disease some patients may suffer from a severe lung disease known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) which can be life-threatening. Pneumonia symptoms at this stage can include cough, difficulty breathing, chest tightness and the development of fluid in the lungs. If you have severe hantavirus infection then you need medical help right away as breathing problems can get worse quickly, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms Of Hantavirus Infection. (Image: AI Generated)
Rodent control and hygiene are the most important measures to prevent hantavirus infection. Here are some precautionary steps you can take to prevent risks of rodent borne infections as per Dr. Shrey Srivastava, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Sharda Hospital:
It is also important to ventilate closed areas before entering that could contain rodent waste. While infections with hantavirus are rare doctors say the disease can be serious if it is not noticed. Keep in mind that early treatment, awareness of exposure to rodents and sanitation of the environment are important elements in the prevention of outbreaks and in safeguarding public health.
This content is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis, treatment or concerns regarding hantavirus infection symptoms.
