Hantavirus Symptoms
Recognize early warning signs and understand when to seek medical care.
Hantavirus symptoms typically appear 2-4 weeks after exposure, though this incubation period can range from 1 to 8 weeks. Early symptoms are often mild and easily mistaken for influenza, which makes early diagnosis challenging.
Early Symptoms
The initial phase of hantavirus infection presents with non-specific flu-like symptoms that often delay diagnosis:
- Fever (38-40 C)
- Severe fatigue and weakness
- Muscle pain, especially in large muscle groups (thighs, hips, back, shoulders)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chills and abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Severe Symptoms
As the disease progresses, two distinct syndromes develop depending on the virus type:
Lung Symptoms (HPS - Americas)
- Dry cough progressing to severe breathing difficulty
- Shortness of breath as lungs fill with fluid
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
Kidney Symptoms (HFRS - Europe/Asia)
- Reduced urine output
- Blood in urine
- High blood pressure
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you have been exposed to rodents and develop:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever after recent rodent exposure
- Severe muscle pain combined with fever
- Decreased urine output
Incubation Period
Symptoms typically appear 2-4 weeks after exposure, but may develop as early as 1 week or as late as 8 weeks after contact with infected rodents.