Hantavirus Treatment

What Is Hantavirus?

Much like the flu, Hantavirus is an infectious disease that manifests with symptoms similar to that of the flu. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a disease that affects the respiratory system and develops rapidly into possibly dangerous breathing issues.

The symptoms of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome are relatively similar to that of the traditional flu; however, the symptoms of Hantavirus are typically categorized into two stages. The first stage is comprised of those symptoms most similar to that of the flu and includes fever and chills, muscle aches, headaches and gastrointestinal sickness including vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The second stage is more progressive and generally occurs three to seven days following the initial symptoms. The second stage symptoms include shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure, cough the produces secretions and reduced heart functioning.

Different strains of Hantavirus exist that cause illness, and each strain generally travels within a preferred rodent carrier. Common carriers include the deer mouse, white-tailed mouse, cotton rat and rice rat. Inhalation of the virus is the most common route of transmission; however, the disease is contagious and can be spread person to person.

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