Hantavirus 101: recognizing symptoms and how it’s contracted
Hantavirus is a rodent-borne illness that can cause severe respiratory disease. It spreads when people inhale virus particles from infected rodents’ urine, droppings, or saliva or come into contact with contaminated materials. Early signs often include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches, with some cases progressing to coughing or shortness of breath as the lungs are affected. There is no specific cure; treatment focuses on supportive care, and prevention centers on reducing rodent access and avoiding disturbance of droppings in places like homes, sheds, and cabins.
