Hantavirus infection

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that can occasionally be transmitted to humans by wild rodents, such as mice and rats.

There are many types of hantavirus around the world. Each type can cause a different disease in humans.

In some cases, these viruses can cause serious diseases, in particular hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which affects the lungs, or a disease that affects the kidneys called hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome.

Most hantavirus strains found in North America, including those found in rodents in Québec, are not transmitted from person to person.

Hantavirus infections are rare in Québec. Since 2005 (when the first case in Québec was reported), six cases have been reported.

The symptoms of hantavirus infection can vary depending on the type of virus involved. They can appear one to eight weeks after exposure.

The most common early symptoms are:

• fever;
• headache;
• muscle aches;
• gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:
  • abdominal pain,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting.

Depending on the type of hantavirus, the disease may progress differently.

The disease can rapidly get worse and lead to:

• cough;
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing;
• shock (pallor, rapid pulse and breathing, loss of consciousness, confusion and agitation, etc.).

In the more advanced stages, symptoms may include:

• low blood pressure;
• red, irritated eyes;
• rash on the body;
• kidney failure (great fatigue, decreased urine, swelling of the extremities, nausea, metallic taste in the mouth, shortness of breath, confusion, etc.);
• internal bleeding.

At this time, there is no treatment to cure the disease. The main goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Prompt medical care improves the chances of recovery.

Hantaviruses are usually spread by rodents, especially when a person:

• inhales contaminated particles from the urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents, for example when cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces;
• touches objects or eats food contaminated with the droppings of infected rodents;
• in rare cases, is bitten by an infected rodent.

In general, hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person.

In rare cases, the Andes strain of the virus, which is found in South America, and not in Canada, can be transmitted between humans. When this happens, person to person transmission is associated with close, prolonged contact.

Simple preventive measures for hantavirus are:

• get rid of rodents in your home;
• keep your home and workplace clean;
• store food safely in containers with tight fitting lids;
• adopt good hand hygiene practices;
• clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent droppings properly; make sure you:
  • wear gloves
  • wear a mask if you are in an enclosed area,
  • avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings,
  • dampen surfaces with a disinfectant before cleaning them,
  • use a wet towel   to pick up waste,
  • wash your hands after cleaning.

The risk of infection is low for travellers. There are no travel restrictions in effect at this time. However, it is always recommended to:

• avoid all contact with rodents and their droppings;
• keep food and waste in containers with tight fitting lids to prevent exposure to rodents;
• avoid removing rodent droppings by sweeping or vacuuming. Particles of virus infected droppings suspended in the air could be inhaled and infect the person.

Consult a health professional quickly if you have symptoms of hantavirus infection after exposure to rodents.