All About Hantavirus (CDC): Main Index

National Center for Infectious Diseases
All About Hantavirus
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•	General Information How hantavirus is spread, what rodents carry it, disease symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent it. For general interest readers, students and others.
•	Technical Information Detailed information on HPS, written for visitors such as health care providers and public health professionals.
•	State Contacts State health department websites, state health department contacts.
•	Case Information Regularly updated demographic information on the cases of HPS that have occurred, by state. Maps and basic epidemiologic data.
•	Teaching Materials HPS brochures, posters, technical manuals and other materials available here.
•	Research and Resources Links to related information at CDC, plus a complete and updated bibliography of research articles published on the disease.
•	Hantavirus in South and Central America
•	Feature Articles: Archive
•	Glossary of Terms
•	Web Page Test Acknowledgements
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General Information About HPS

Technical Information About HPS

Hantavirus: An Introduction

Small But Deadly
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been recognized as a disease only recently in North America. So far, it's also fairly uncommon and the chances of becoming infected are low. However, HPS is potentially deadly and immediate intensive care is essential once symptoms appear.

The Mouse That Roared
Hantaviruses that cause HPS are carried by rodents, especially the deer mouse. You can become infected by exposure to their droppings, and the first signs of sickness (especially fever and muscle aches) appear 1 to 5 weeks later, followed by shortness of breath and coughing. Once this phase begins, the disease progresses rapidly, necessitating hospitalization and often ventilation within 24 hours. Setting a snap trap

Setting a snap trap

Prevention is the best strategy, and it simply means taking some very practical steps to minimize your contact with rodents. HPS is not contagious from person to person in the United States.

Features!

The Fifth International Conference on HFRS, HPS, and Hantaviruses.
The Merieux Foundation is hosting the conference from June 13-16, 2001.

Rodent-proof Your Home to Keep Mice and Rats Out!
Check your house to make sure rodents stay where they belong: outside. Here's how.

See "Tips For Preventing Hantavirus, Indoors and Outdoors" for step-by-step rodent-proofing help.

Download the 54-page illustrated National Park Service guide, Mechanical Rodent-Proofing Techniques. for detailed rodent-proofing instructions.<>

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This page last reviewed Friday, March 23, 2001

Special Pathogens Branch
Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases
National Center for Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services