Hantavirus — Symptoms in Humans: First Signs and Danger Signals
Science and data reviewer
Timestamp shown in UTC unless otherwise indicated.
Hantavirus is treacherous. In early stages, it masks as ordinary cold or flu. Many think they just caught ARVI. Don't see a doctor. Lose precious time.
Incubation period — one to four weeks. Virus is already in the body. Person feels healthy. But then — sharp deterioration.
First Signs — How Disease Starts
Disease starts acutely. Temperature suddenly rises to 38–40°C. Severe headache appears. Muscles and joints ache. Chills set in. Body weakens.
Nausea. Sometimes vomiting. Stomach hurts. Diarrhea may start. All this resembles severe flu.
A characteristic sign — reddening of face, neck, upper chest. Doctors call this "hood symptom". Vessels expand. Blood rushes to head.
Eyes redden. "Cloudiness" appears. Flies and veil appear before eyes.
This period lasts three to five days. Then — disease develops according to one of two scenarios.
Pulmonary Form — Lung Damage
With pulmonary form, lungs and heart suffer. Condition worsens rapidly.
Dry cough appears. Breathing becomes harder. Heaviness and pressing pain in chest. Shortness of breath begins.
Lungs fill with fluid. Edema develops. Person suffocates. Without help — death.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Cough | First dry, then with sputum |
| Shortness of breath | With exertion, then at rest |
| Chest pain | Pressing, stabbing |
| Lung edema | Fluid accumulation |
Mortality with pulmonary form — up to forty percent. Especially dangerous is Andes strain.
Renal Form — Kidney Damage
With renal form, main hit is taken by kidneys. This is the predominant type in Russia.
The most important sign — reduced urine output. Lower back twists with unbearable pain. Kidneys stop filtering blood.
Acute kidney failure develops. Toxins poison the body. Patient is connected to hemodialysis.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower back pain | Strong, cramping |
| Reduced urine | To complete cessation |
| Edema | On face, legs |
| Nausea, vomiting | Due to intoxication |
In severe cases, uremia develops. Skin turns yellow. Ammonia smell from mouth. Death without dialysis.
Danger Signals — When to Call Ambulance
Call ambulance immediately if:
- Temperature doesn't come down with antipyretics
- Breathing became difficult
- Severe pain in lower back appeared
- Urine output sharply decreased
- Nosebleed started
- Blood appeared in urine
- Blood pressure dropped below 90/60
- Consciousness confused
Every hour of delay reduces survival chances. Especially with pulmonary form.
What NOT to Do When Suspecting Hantavirus
- Don't self-treat
- Don't drink antibiotics — they don't work on virus
- Don't go to work — you'll infect others
- Don't take aspirin — will increase bleeding
- Don't endure — see a doctor immediately
Tell doctor about contact with rodents. This will speed up diagnosis. Blood test for antibodies will confirm diagnosis.