How do you get hantavirus disease?
Hantavirus is spread when virus-containing particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva are stirred into the air. It is important to avoid actions that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming. Infection occurs when you breathe in virus particles.
What does hantavirus do to humans?
How Hantavirus Affects Your Body. Hantaviruses infect people when they are inhaled. If the virus reaches your lungs, it can infect the cells that line the tiny blood vessels in the lungs, causing them to become “leaky.” The leaky blood vessels allow fluid to fill the lungs making it difficult to breathe.
Where is hantavirus most commonly found?
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is most common in rural areas of the western United States during the spring and summer months. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome also occurs in South America and Canada. Other hantaviruses occur in Asia, where they cause kidney disorders rather than lung problems.
What is the survival rate of hantavirus?
According to the CDC, hantavirus infections according have a mortality rate of about 38%.
How long can you live with hantavirus?
Survival of the virus for 2 or 3 days has been shown at normal room temperature. Exposure to sunlight will decrease the time of viability, and freezing temperatures will actually increase the time that the virus survives.
Can your body fight hantavirus?
The virus affects the heart, lungs, and kidneys, reducing their ability to function. The virus also enters the bloodstream, where it continues to spread and cause further organ damage. Your body attempts to fight the virus by creating inflammation.
How long can hantavirus last?
The virus may remain infectious for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Exposure to sunlight will decrease the time of viability and freezing temperatures will increase the time that the virus remains infectious.
Is it rare to get hantavirus?
Hantavirus infections are rare. Sporadic (single) cases may occur throughout the country, but most, greater than 90%, of the cases have occurred in the west of the Mississippi River.
What disinfectant kills hantavirus?
The disinfectant solution should be 10 percent chlorine bleach and 90 per- cent water (1.5 cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water). The chlorine bleach destroys the virus. Some clean- ing solutions will kill the hantavirus but others will not. That’s why it is best to use chlorine bleach.
Can you survive hantavirus without treatment?
There is no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for hantavirus infection. However, we do know that if infected individuals are recognized early and receive medical care in an intensive care unit, they may do better.