What are the symptoms of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?

Question

Hello doctor,

I need your help as soon as possible. I was cleaning out my garage last week and stirred up a ton of dust and dirt that had probably been sitting there for years. A few days later, I started feeling like I had the flu: fever, chills, body aches, the whole nine yards. But then I saw this news report about some rare Hantavirus going around that you can catch from rodent droppings and nests. It causes a serious respiratory disease called Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Now I am worried.

What are the main symptoms I need to watch out for?
Is there any special test or treatment I should get as soon as possible if it is this Hantavirus thing?

I have been coughing up a storm too, which has me extra spooked.

Please let me know what to do, doctor; I am seriously panicking here.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Human infection typically occurs by inhalation of aerosolized rodent waste, though occasionally disease may be contracted through a rodent bite or direct mucous membrane contact with rodent excreta.

The aerosolized virus enters the lung, is taken up by local phagocytes, and is subsequently transported to regional lymph nodes, where it prepares to disseminate. The prodrome or febrile phase lasts three to 10 days. It is marked by the onset of fever, chills, and myalgias, which are often severe and likely clinical correlates of viral dissemination. It is nearly impossible to distinguish Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome from any other nonspecific viral syndrome during this period. Disease severity progresses quickly, and patients often develop nausea, vomiting, weakness, and sometimes diarrhea and headaches.

Furthermore, a dry cough, difficulty breathing, and palpitations are signs to look forward to emergency treatment and symptomatic treatment for viral fevers.

I would suggest you

Take a tablet of Paracetamol (analgesic) 500 mg (milligrams) three times a day.
Take a tablet of Levocetirizine (antihistamine) 5 mg at night.
Have a steam inhalation twice a day.
Drink lots of fluids.

In the case of the worsening of the disease, the following can be given:

Early, but judicious, use of fluid resuscitation with crystalloids is indicated.
Administer oxygen by nasal cannula, simple mask, or non-rebreather mask.
Intubation is warranted for severe respiratory distress.
Rapid transfer to a tertiary care center with ICU (intensive care unit) and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) capabilities is indicated if the diagnosis is suspected.

I suggest you consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.