Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Hanta virus Respiratory system overview

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Hantavirus

Alternative Names: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome Treatment: Because the breathing problems progress rapidly and there is a high death rate, treatment must occur in the hospital, often with admission to an intensive care unit. Text Continues Below Oxygen therapy is used, and regulated by close monitoring of the blood gases. Respiratory support with a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) and ventilator becomes necessary in severe cases. IV ribavirin therapy is experimental and is under evaluation for its effectiveness. Expectations (prognosis): Hanta virus is a serious infection with a death rate (even with aggressive treatment) exceeding 50%. Complications: cardiorespiratory failure death Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you have had any exposure to mouse urine or feces (excreta), or dust that may have been contaminated with mouse excreta, and you have developed influenza-like symptoms.

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.