Hantavirus

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Hanta virus

Respiratory system overview

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

Because the breathing problems progress rapidly and there is a high death rate, treatment must occur in the hospital, often with admission to an intensive care unit.

Oxygen therapy is used, and regulated by close monitoring of the blood gases. Respiratory support with a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) and ventilator becomes necessary in severe cases.

IV ribavirin treatment is experimental and is under evaluation for its effectiveness. Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine.

Hanta virus is a serious infection with a death rate (even with aggressive treatment) exceeding 50%.

• Cardiorespiratory failure
• Death

Call your health care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms after being exposed to mouse urine or feces (excreta), or dust that may have been contaminated with mouse excreta.

Review Date: 01/29/2007
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.