Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome may be diagnosed based on your symptoms. Your healthcare professional may order other laboratory tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. The diagnosis may be confirmed using blood tests to see if you've been exposed to hantavirus.

Specific treatment options for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome are limited. But the outlook improves with early recognition, quick hospital care and support for breathing.

Supportive therapy

People with severe cases need immediate treatment in an intensive care unit. Intubation and mechanical ventilation may be needed to support breathing and to help manage fluid in the lungs. Intubation involves placing a breathing tube through your nose or mouth into the windpipe, also called the trachea. This helps keep your airways open and functioning.

Blood oxygenation

Severe disease may require a treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to help make sure you get sufficient supply of oxygen. This involves continuously pumping your blood through a machine that removes carbon dioxide and adds oxygen. The oxygenated blood is then returned to your body.

You might first see your primary healthcare professional. However, when you call to set up an appointment, your healthcare professional may recommend urgent medical care. If you're having difficulty breathing or know you have been exposed to rodents, seek emergency medical attention.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

• What symptoms are you experiencing? When did they begin?
• Have you recently cleaned any rarely used rooms or buildings?
• Have you had any recent exposure to mice or rats?
• Do you have any other medical problems?
• What medicines and supplements do you take?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you several questions including:

• Do you have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches and fatigue?
• Have you had any digestive system problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting?
• Have you noticed your heart beating faster than usual?
• Are you having difficulty breathing? If so, is it getting worse?
• Is anyone else in your life having similar signs or symptoms?