Hantavirus Symptoms

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) progresses in distinct phases. Early recognition is critical.

Compiled from CDC, WHO, PAHO guidance·Last reviewed: May 17, 2026·Editorial standards →

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical diagnosis or professional healthcare advice. If you suspect hantavirus infection, seek emergency care immediately.

Symptom Timeline

Exposure

Day 0
  • ·Contact with infected rodents, droppings, urine, or nesting material
  • ·Prolonged close contact with an infected person (Andes virus only — the strain in the 2026 MV Hondius outbreak)

Most strains are NOT person-to-person. Andes virus is the sole known exception.

Incubation

1–5 weeks (avg. 2–3 weeks)
  • ·No symptoms
  • ·Virus replicating silently

Early (Prodromal) Phase

Days 1–5 of illness
  • ·Fever (38–40°C / 100–104°F)
  • ·Fatigue and muscle aches (especially thighs, hips, back)
  • ·Headache
  • ·Dizziness
  • ·Chills
  • ·Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain (in ~50% of cases)

Often mistaken for flu or gastroenteritis at this stage

Cardiopulmonary Phase

Days 4–10 — CRITICAL
  • ·Sudden onset of shortness of breath
  • ·Cough with fluid accumulation in lungs
  • ·Low blood pressure
  • ·Rapid heart rate
  • ·Lungs fill with fluid (non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema)
  • ·Oxygen levels drop rapidly

Medical emergency — requires immediate hospitalisation and often ICU care

Recovery

Weeks to months
  • ·Gradual improvement in lung function
  • ·Fatigue may persist for weeks
  • ·Full recovery possible with intensive care

Case fatality rate is approximately 36%

Active 2026 Outbreak:Andes hantavirus — MV Hondius cluster. 5 confirmed, 3 deaths.
Full outbreak details →

HPS vs Flu vs Common Cold

SymptomHPSFluCold
Fever✓✓—
Muscle aches✓✓—
Fatigue✓✓✓
Headache✓✓—
Runny nose——✓
Sore throat——✓
Shortness of breath✓——
GI symptoms✓——
Rapid deterioration✓——
Rodent exposure history✓——

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate emergency care if you have had rodent exposure in the past 6 weeks AND experience any of:

  • !Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • !Rapid worsening fever alongside muscle aches
  • !Cough with frothy or bloody sputum
  • !Feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest
  • !Dizziness, confusion, or fainting

Inform the treating physician of any potential rodent exposure. Early supportive care significantly improves outcomes.

Information sourced from CDC Hantavirus and WHO guidance.