Hantavirus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Guide

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that cause disorders of the lungs (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome) or blood vessels and kidneys (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome). These viruses are carried and spread by rats and other rodents.

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Hantavirus diseases are classified as zoonotic diseases, as they spread from animals to humans. Transmission of hantavirus infection to humans generally occurs through direct contact with the feces, urine, and saliva of infected rats.

Hantaviruses consist of various types, or strains, distributed throughout several regions of the world. Recently, the Andes strain of hantavirus from South America has attracted attention because it is suspected to be more contagious than other types of hantavirus.

Unlike most hantaviruses, which are generally transmitted from rodents to humans, the Andes strain has been known in some cases to be transmissible between humans. Transmission of this virus is thought to occur through close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.

However, the WHO emphasizes that human-to-human transmission of the Andes strain of hantavirus is still relatively rare and the risk of spread to the general public remains low.

As of May 2026, the Andes strain of hantavirus has not been found in Indonesia. Hantavirus cases reported in Indonesia are generally associated with the Seoul virus (SEOV) strain, which is transmitted from rodents to humans, not between humans.

Hantavirus disease is rare but can be dangerous. The mortality rate for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is around 40% and for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is around 5–15%.

Causes of Hantavirus Infection

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses spread by rats and other rodents. However, human-to-human transmission of hantavirus infection is extremely rare.

The following conditions can cause a person to become infected with hantavirus:

Contacting feces, saliva, or urine from a rat infected with hantavirus

Inhaling airborne particles containing hantavirus

Consuming food contaminated with hantavirus

Experiencing a wound from a rat bite infected with hantavirus

Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first after contact with an object contaminated with hantavirus

Risk Factors for Hantavirus

Some factors that can increase a person's risk of hantavirus infection are:

Living in a house or area with a large rat population

Working in a job that involves frequent contact with rats or their secretions, such as in the construction industry or pest control services

Camping, hiking, hunting, or engaging in other activities that have a high potential for contact with rats

Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection

Symptoms of hantavirus infection generally appear 1–8 weeks after a person is exposed to and infected with the virus. Symptoms can vary depending on the affected organ.

Hantavirus infection can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Here are some of the symptoms:

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)

In the early stages, HPS will cause symptoms such as:

Fever

Chills and malaise

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Abdominal pain and diarrhea

Muscle aches

Fatigue

If left untreated for several weeks, HPS sufferers will experience the following symptoms:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Rapid heartbeat

Chest pain, a feeling of tightness

In advanced stages, HPS sufferers will experience swelling of the lungs, or pulmonary edema, which can lead to shock and be fatal.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)

Some early symptoms that may appear when someone experiences HFRS are:

Fever

Severe headache

Back and abdominal pain

Fatigue

Blurred vision

Facial redness

Skin rash

In advanced stages, HFRS will cause several other symptoms, including:

Low blood pressure

Bleeding

Blood flow disorders (shock)

Plasma leakage

Acute kidney failure

When to see a doctor

See ​​a doctor immediately if you experience the symptoms mentioned above, especially if you have recently been in contact with or come into contact with rat bodily fluids. Examination and treatment are necessary to prevent complications.

Get regular checkups if you are at risk of exposure to hantavirus, for example, because you work at a pest control center or live in an area with rat nests.

With the Make an Appointment feature in the ALODOKTER app, you can make an appointment with a doctor without having to come to the practice in person. Simply open the app, select a doctor, and schedule a time that suits you.

Diagnosing Hantavirus Infection

A diagnosis of hantavirus infection is made by asking about the patient's symptoms and medical history, followed by a thorough physical examination.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform the following supporting tests:

Blood tests, to determine the number and levels of blood cells, protein levels, electrolyte levels, and liver and kidney function.

Urine tests, to check kidney function and check for blood in the urine.

Scans, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan in cases of HPS, to detect lung disorders, such as pulmonary edema.

Serology tests, to detect hantavirus antigens in the blood.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, to detect hantavirus in the blood.

Treatment of Hantavirus Infection

Treatment for hantavirus aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment for this condition is generally carried out in an intensive care unit at a hospital.

Some treatment methods that will be provided are:

Supplemental oxygen administration through a breathing aid, including a ventilator

Intravenous fluid administration to restore fluid and electrolyte balance

Administration of antiviral drugs, such as ribavirin, to treat viral infections in the early stages of HFRS

Administration of drugs and infusions to treat shock, including restoring normal blood pressure

In severe cases of HPS, doctors will perform ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). The goal is to replace damaged lung function so that all body tissues continue to receive adequate oxygen.

Meanwhile, if the patient experiences severe HFRS, doctors will recommend dialysis to replace damaged kidney function.

The earlier treatment begins, the greater the patient's chance of recovery. Generally, the recovery time for HPS patients is around 2–3 weeks, while the recovery time for HFRS patients varies, ranging from 3 weeks to 6 months.

Complications of Hantavirus Infection

If left untreated, hantavirus infection can cause various complications, such as:

Heart failure

Kidney failure

Severe pulmonary edema

Shock

Death

Preventing Hantavirus Infection

There is no vaccine to prevent hantavirus infection. Therefore, the best way to prevent this infection is to avoid factors that increase your risk of hantavirus infection. Some steps you can take are:

Make a habit of washing your hands frequently with soap and water.

Keep food and utensils used to prepare food clean.

Eradicate the circulation of rats around your home and workplace and block access for rats into your home. If necessary, set rat traps.

Clean your home and work area regularly with disinfectant, including cleaning possible nesting areas for rats, such as trash cans, storage areas, and cluttered or rarely used rooms.

Avoid contact with rats and their bodily fluids, such as saliva, urine, and feces.

Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) if your work frequently involves contact with rats.

source : alodokter

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