Symptoms of a hantavirus infection

Learn about the symptoms of a hantavirus infection, what to look for and what to do if you become ill.

On this page:

• What are the symptoms of a hantavirus infection?
• What do you do if you become ill?

What are the symptoms of a hantavirus infection?

Depending on the type of hantavirus that you are infected with, you may experience different symptoms. The 2 most common diseases caused by a hantavirus infection are:

1. hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (found in North and South America)
2. haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (found mainly in Europe and Asia)

Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

Symptoms appear 1 to 6 weeks after being exposed to the virus. They can include:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• fever and chills
• muscle aches and headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach pain
• coughing

More severe symptoms may include:

• shortness of breath
• severe difficulty breathing

Symptoms of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome

Symptoms appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure. They can include:

• intense headaches
• back and stomach pain
• fever
• chills
• nausea
• blurred vision

Additional symptoms may include:

• flushed face
• inflamed or red eyes
• rash
• low blood pressure

Serious cases may result in internal bleeding.

What do you do if you become ill?

See a health care provider immediately if you:

• have had contact with rodents or their droppings and urine
• are showing some or all of the above symptoms

Be sure to mention that you have had contact with rodents or their droppings or urine. Your health care provider will then look more closely for rodent-associated diseases like:

• hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
• haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome