Hantavirus Symptoms
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) progresses in distinct phases. Early recognition is critical.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical diagnosis or professional healthcare advice. If you suspect hantavirus infection, seek emergency care immediately.
Symptom Timeline
Exposure
Day 0- ·Contact with infected rodents, droppings, urine, or nesting material
- ·Prolonged close contact with an infected person (Andes virus only — the strain in the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak)
Most strains are NOT person-to-person. Andes virus is the sole known exception.
Incubation
1–5 weeks (avg. 2–3 weeks)- ·No symptoms
- ·Virus replicating silently
Early (Prodromal) Phase
Days 1–5 of illness- ·Fever (38–40°C / 100–104°F)
- ·Fatigue and muscle aches (especially thighs, hips, back)
- ·Headache
- ·Dizziness
- ·Chills
- ·Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain (in ~50% of cases)
Often mistaken for flu or gastroenteritis at this stage
Cardiopulmonary Phase
Days 4–10 — CRITICAL- ·Sudden onset of shortness of breath
- ·Cough with fluid accumulation in lungs
- ·Low blood pressure
- ·Rapid heart rate
- ·Lungs fill with fluid (non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema)
- ·Oxygen levels drop rapidly
Medical emergency — requires immediate hospitalisation and often ICU care
Recovery
Weeks to months- ·Gradual improvement in lung function
- ·Fatigue may persist for weeks
- ·Full recovery possible with intensive care
Case fatality rate is approximately 36%
HPS vs Flu vs Common Cold
| Symptom | HPS | Flu | Cold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Muscle aches | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Fatigue | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headache | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Runny nose | — | — | ✓ |
| Sore throat | — | — | ✓ |
| Shortness of breath | ✓ | — | — |
| GI symptoms | ✓ | — | — |
| Rapid deterioration | ✓ | — | — |
| Rodent exposure history | ✓ | — | — |
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate emergency care if you have had rodent exposure in the past 6 weeks AND experience any of:
- !Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- !Rapid worsening fever alongside muscle aches
- !Cough with frothy or bloody sputum
- !Feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest
- !Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
Inform the treating physician of any potential rodent exposure. Early supportive care significantly improves outcomes.