Medical Information

Hantavirus Symptoms

Recognizing symptoms early can save lives. Learn the warning signs of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Medical Emergency Warning

If you have been exposed to rodents or their droppings and develop sudden difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. HPS can progress rapidly and has a mortality rate of 30-40%.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Symptoms

Early Phase (1-5 days)

Fever (101-104°F / 38-40°C)

Often the first symptom to appear

Fatigue & Exhaustion

Severe tiredness beyond normal illness

Muscle Aches (Myalgia)

Especially in thighs, hips, back, shoulders

Headaches

Can be severe and persistent

Dizziness

Lightheadedness and vertigo

Chills

Often accompanying fever

Abdominal Pain

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea possible

Late Phase - EMERGENCY (4-10 days after exposure)

Coughing

Produces secretions, worsens rapidly

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing, feels like drowning

Fluid in Lungs

Lungs fill with fluid (pulmonary edema)

Low Blood Pressure

Can lead to shock

Rapid Heart Rate

Heart compensating for low oxygen

Organ Failure

Multiple organs may begin to fail

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) Symptoms

HFRS primarily affects the kidneys and blood vessels. It progresses through five phases:

Febrile Phase

3-7 days

High fever, chills, headache, blurred vision, back pain, abdominal pain, facial flushing

Hypotensive Phase

2 days

Blood pressure drops, tachycardia, shock possible, nausea/vomiting intensify

Oliguric Phase

3-7 days

Decreased urine output, hemorrhaging (petechiae, bleeding), severe kidney stress

Diuretic Phase

2-3 weeks

Increased urination (3-6 liters/day), electrolyte imbalances

Convalescent Phase

weeks-months

Gradual recovery, weakness may persist for extended period

When to Seek Medical Help

See a Doctor If:

  • •You've had recent rodent exposure
  • •Unexplained fever and muscle aches
  • •Flu-like symptoms after cleaning dusty areas
  • •Live or work in rodent-prone areas

Call Emergency (911) If:

  • •Sudden difficulty breathing
  • •Feeling like you're suffocating
  • •Coughing with pink/frothy sputum
  • •Rapid heartbeat with weakness

Incubation Period

Symptoms typically appear 1-8 weeks after exposure to infected rodents or their droppings, with most cases showing symptoms within 2-4 weeks.

If you believe you've been exposed to rodents and develop any symptoms, inform your healthcare provider about your potential exposure immediately, even if significant time has passed.