Living with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
A severe lung illness caused by hantavirus, which people can catch from contact with infected rodents.
Understanding Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
People can become infected through contact with infected rodents or their saliva, urine, or droppings. Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. Later symptoms appear 4 to 10 days after the first ones.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches, especially thighs, hips, and back
- Headaches, dizziness, and chills
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain
- Coughing and shortness of breath (later)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Lung Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by a hantavirus, which people can catch through contact with infected rodents or their saliva, urine, or droppings.
Patient organizations
- American Lung AssociationHantavirus pulmonary syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Explore research for Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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