Health experts are urging the public to stay informed about hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly virus that spreads mainly through contact with infected rodents and their droppings.
Early Signs of Hantavirus and How to Prevent Infection | WHO Warning Signs
According to the World Health Organization, hantaviruses can cause severe respiratory and kidney-related illnesses in humans, with some forms carrying high fatality rates if not treated early.
Recent international concern surrounding reported hantavirus cases has also increased public interest in recognizing the warning signs before the illness becomes severe.
What Is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses primarily carried by rodents such as rats and mice. Humans can become infected after exposure to rodent urine, saliva, droppings, or contaminated dust particles.
The virus is not commonly spread between people, although the WHO notes that limited human-to-human transmission has been documented in rare cases involving the Andes strain found in South America.
Early Signs of Hantavirus Infection
The WHO says symptoms can appear anywhere between one and eight weeks after exposure. Early warning signs include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In many patients, the illness initially feels similar to influenza or a viral infection.
How Does Hantavirus Spread?
The virus usually spreads when people breathe in contaminated particles from rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials.
Risky situations may include:
- Cleaning abandoned buildings or storage spaces
- Sweeping rodent droppings
- Entering poorly ventilated areas with rodent infestations
- Farming or forestry work
- Camping or staying in rodent-infested cabins
Experts say dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent waste can release virus particles into the air, increasing infection risk.
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