Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Report Confirmed or Suspect Cases Immediately to the Local Health Department.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare and serious disease caused by a virus. In the United States, there are between 10-50 cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome reported each year primarily in the Southwest United States. Hantavirus has not been reported in New Jersey. People become infected through direct contact with infected rodents, rodent droppings, nests or by inhaling virus particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva that have dried and become airborne. Symptoms are similar to the flu at first (fever, muscle aches, headaches and chills) and are followed by difficulty breathing. Patients with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome need to be hospitalized for respiratory and/or blood pressure support.

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Last Reviewed: 9/18/2018