All You Need to Know About the Hantavirus and How You Can Protect Yourself From It

Image: Biotechniques

As conversations around Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) continue to circulate online, leaving many of us unsure about what the disease actually is and how we can protect ourselves from it. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, HPS is a severe respiratory disease caused by tiny germs known as hantaviruses, which are mainly carried by certain rodents. Although human infections remain extremely uncommon in South Africa, health experts say it is wiser for us to remain aware and alert about it.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried primarily by rodents like mice and rats. Humans don’t usually spread it to each other, infection almost always starts when someone comes into contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

The risk comes when these particles dry out and become airborne, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces like sheds, garages, or storage rooms. Once inhaled, the virus can move quickly through the body and affect the lungs or kidneys, depending on the strain.

2 Types of Hantaviruses (HPS)

There are 2 different types of hantaviruses, which includes the Sin Nombre virus in North America and the Andes virus in South America that have been linked to human infections in different parts of the world. These viruses are mainly carried by certain species of rats and mice. These rodents can spread the virus through their urine, droppings and saliva, particularly in enclosed spaces where contamination may go unnoticed.

While cases of HPS have been reported in South Africa, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases states that the rodent species commonly linked to major outbreaks elsewhere in the world is not found locally. Making South Africa a low-risk area for the overall widespread transmissions of HPS.

How Does One Get Infected?

There are different ways in which a person can become infected with HPS. However, human-to-human transmission of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome remain extremely rare. A person can be infected via being in contact with the contaminated rodent urine, droppings and saliva. These infections are likely to take place when cleaning an enclosed or poorly ventilated space where infected rodents may have been present. In some cases, the virus can spread through tiny contaminated particles that have been released into the air while sweeping dusty areas or disturbing contaminated surfaces.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the National Department of Health in South Africa the recent confirmed cases that we have, have primarily been linked to international travel associated with an outbreak aboard a cruise ship travelling from Argentina, rather than local rodent exposure or community transmission. Giving us the reassurance that we need to confirm that we have very low chances of being infected by HPS.

Can Hantavirus Spread From Person to Person?

In almost all cases, no. Hantavirus is not considered a contagious illness in everyday settings like colds or flu. You don’t catch it from casual contact, coughing, or sharing spaces with someone who is infected.

There is one exception: a specific strain called Andes virus, found mainly in parts of South America, has shown limited person-to-person transmission. Even then, it typically requires close, prolonged contact. For most other strains, rodents remain the only meaningful source of infection.

What are the first symptoms of hantavirus?

Symptoms usually show up 1 to 8 weeks after exposure, depending on the strain. This delay is one of the reasons hantavirus can be difficult to detect early. People often forget or don’t connect a past cleaning activity or rodent exposure with their later illness. Here are 7 Early symptoms of HPS that often resemble flu-like illnesses:

1. Muscle aches

2. Headaches

3. Dizziness

4. Chills

5. Diarrhea

6. Abdominal pain

7. Nausea

As the illness progresses, a person may develop coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness due to fluid accumulation in the lungs and a drop in blood pressure resulting in shock which is why it is encouraged that people seek medical attention if symptoms develop after travelling to high-risk areas.

Is There a Vaccine for Hantavirus?

There is currently no widely available vaccine for hantavirus. Research is ongoing, but prevention still relies on reducing exposure to rodents and controlling infestations in homes, storage areas, and workplaces.

What Precautions Can One Take?

Here are 6 simple precautions that you can take especially when travelling to areas where hantavirus outbreaks have previously been reported. These include:

1. Avoiding direct contact with rodents and their droppings

2. Sealing homes or spaces where rodents may enter

3. Storing food properly and disposing of waste safely

4. Keeping spaces clean and well ventilated

5. Avoiding sweeping dusty areas contaminated by rodent waste

6. Using disinfectants when cleaning potentially contaminated spaces

How Do I Safely Clean Areas Contaminated by Rodents?

This part is critical because most infections happen during cleaning. The main rule is don’t disturb dry droppings or nests directly. Avoid sweeping dry droppings, vacuuming rodent waste, or stirring up dust in enclosed areas. These actions can disturb contaminated particles and release virus particles into the air, increasing the risk of inhalation and infection. A safer approach includes:

• Open doors and windows first to ventilate the space

• Wear gloves and, if possible, a mask

• Spray contaminated areas with disinfectant or a bleach solution first

• Let it soak so particles are less likely to become airborne

• Wipe up with paper towels instead of sweeping

• Seal waste in a plastic bag before disposal

• Wash hands thoroughly afterward

While HPS may sound very alarming it is important to remember that the risk to South Africans remains very low. The focus should not be on panic, but on awareness and simple prevention especially for those who may be travelling to high-areas where cases have been reported.

Practising basic hygiene, avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, and taking care of ourselves when cleaning enclosed spaces can significantly reduce any risk of infection. For anyone who’s a traveller to these high-risk areas it is also important to also monitor your health when you return from your trip. If you happen to notice any of the symptoms mentioned above seeking medical attention as soon as possible is advised.