Hantavirus: First Signs, Symptoms and How to Prevent

Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses mainly carried by rodents such as rats and mice.

People can get infected by hantavirus when they breathe in tiny air particles contaminated with urine, droppings or saliva from infected rodents, especially when cleaning or disturbing areas with rodent activity.

Risk is often related to the closeness of contact with infected rodents, especially within poorly ventilated spaces.

"Although uncommon, the Andes strain is the only hantavirus strain associated with instances of human-to-human transmission," shared Dr Zheng Shuwei, Senior Consultant from the Department of Infectious Disease at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), a member of the SingHealth group.

"This particular strain is reported predominantly from parts of South America and has been shown to be the causative strain in the MV Hondius outbreak. Interpersonal transmission of the Andes virus typically requires close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.

This is in contrast to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza where continuous community circulation occurs all year-round in Singapore, and as a result of high transmissibility, has the propensity to spread easily in communities, schools and workplaces," Dr Zheng added.

A reason hantavirus can be dangerous is because its early symptoms often resemble common illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, dengue, or food poisoning.

Symptoms usually appear between one and eight weeks after exposure.

Early signs and symptoms

First signs of hantavirus resemble the flu such as:

• Fever, chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain

Serious symptoms

As the illness worsens, symptoms may become severe within one to two weeks after exposure including:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Internal bleeding
• Kidney complications

Severe hantavirus infections can become life-threatening if treatment is delayed.

Currently, there is no cure or antiviral medication approved for hantavirus infections. Treatment mainly focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms and keep vital body functions stable.

Tips for non-travellers and homeowners

• Maintain good personal hygiene
  • Observe good personal hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and water, or with hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol content.
  • Avoid close contact and sharing personal items with unwell persons
• Keep your home and surroundings clean to discourage rodent nesting
• Ensure gaps, cracks and holes in walls are sealed to prevent rodent access
• Avoid leaving food exposed. Store food in sealed containers to avoid attracting rodents.
• Dispose of rubbish promptly and ensure bins are clean and in good condition
• When clearing up rodent droppings or nest areas, avoid sweeping or vacuuming to prevent stirring up potentially contaminated dust particles. Instead, wear a mask and gloves, and spray the area with household disinfectant, then use paper towels to clean up and dispose.

Additional tips for travellers

Those travelling to areas with known hantavirus transmission can take the following precautions, especially when planning to camp, hike, or visit rural areas:

• Avoid contact with rodents and areas contaminated by their urine, droppings, saliva or nesting materials.
• Never attempt to touch, feed or catch wild rodents.
• Keep accommodation areas clean, store food securely and properly dispose of rubbish
• Maintain good personal hygiene.

Travellers who become unwell during or after travel should seek prompt medical attention and inform their doctors of their recent travel history, itinerary and any potential exposure to rodents or unwell persons.

There is no indication that hantavirus poses a major threat in Singapore. The recent outbreak has mainly involved a specific Hantavirus strain that has not been reported before in Singapore.

Most Singaporeans can protect themselves by maintaining good hygiene, avoiding rodent exposure, and keeping surfaces clean.

Ref: F26

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