Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
Description
A severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by infection with hantaviruses. It is primarily transmitted by the inhalation of aerosols containing virus from the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents.
Common Symptoms
- Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. After a few days, late symptoms appear: coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid. It can be fatal.
Common Causes
- Infection with a hantavirus, typically by inhaling aerosolized virus from the droppings, urine, or saliva of infected rodents (like the deer mouse).
Treatment Information
No specific treatment, cure, or vaccine exists. Patients are often admitted to an intensive care unit and may require oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.