Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by infection with a Hantavirus. Breathing in tiny airborne particles that come from rodent urine. Touching rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Coming in contact with dust contaminated with the virus. Being bitten by an infected mouse.

Symptoms usually start 2 to 3 weeks after a person has been exposed to the virus. Early symptoms may include fever and chills, Muscle aches and headache, Fatigue, Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and belly pain. There is no cure or vaccine for HPS. Treatment involves supportive therapy, including mechanical ventilation with supplemental oxygen during the critical respiratory-failure stage of the illness. Early recognition of HPS and admission to an intensive care setting offers the best prognosis.

People are advised to avoid direct contact with rodent droppings and wear a mask while cleaning such areas to avoid inhalation of aerosolized rodent secretions. The reported cases of Hantavirus infection (HFRS) in Australia is approximately 15 cases per year and its Seroprevalence (%) is 1.2 (0.02-1.8)