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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffHantavirus pulmonary syndrome advances through two distinct stages. In the first stage, you may experience flu-like signs and symptoms that may include:
- Fever and chills
- Headaches and muscle aches
- Vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
In its early stages, hantavirus infection is difficult to distinguish from influenza, pneumonia or other viral conditions. After three to seven days, more-serious signs and symptoms begin. They typically include:
- A cough that produces secretions
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid accumulating within the lungs
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced heart efficiency
When to see a doctor
The signs and symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can worsen suddenly and may quickly become life-threatening. If you've been around rodents or rodent droppings and have signs and symptoms of fever, chills, muscle aches or any difficulties breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
- Bell M. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50409-2--cesec78&isbn=978-1-4160-2805-5&sid=1091431229&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50409-2--cesec93&uniqId=228991887-3#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50409-2--cesec93. Accessed Dec. 3, 2010.
- Simpson SQ, et al. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2010;24:159.
- Hjelle B. Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2010.
- Shafts C. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00017-2--sc0015&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&sid=1091431229&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00017-2--sc0015&uniqId=228991887-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00017-2--sc0015. Accessed Dec. 3, 2010.
- All about hantaviruses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/noframes/printgenlsection.htm. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- Hjelle B. Epidemiology and diagnosis of hantavirus infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
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