Medical Health Encyclopedia

Hantavirus

The initial symptoms of hantavirus disease closely resemble influenza. The disease begins abruptly with fever, chills, muscle aches (myalgia), headache, nausea and vomiting, and malaise. A dry cough may be present. The fever may be higher in younger people than in older people.

For a very short period, the infected person feels somewhat better, but this is followed within a day or two by an increased respiratory rate caused by a seepage of fluid into the lungs. The initial shortness of breath is subtle and the patient may be unaware of it, but progression is rapid. The patient ultimately develops respiratory failure.

An effective treatment for hantavirus is not yet available. Even with intensive therapy, more than half of the diagnosed cases have been fatal.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Text Continues Below