Hantavirus: What it is, how it spreads, how often it’s fatal

Hantavirus, a rare but deadly virus spread by rodents, recently made headlines with the tragic death of concert pianist Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Gene Hackman. Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in mid-February, just a week before Hackman passed away from heart failure. This virus has claimed the lives of at least 34 people in Canada over the past three decades.

What exactly is hantavirus? It is a group of viruses carried by rodents like rats and mice. In North America, five species are known to carry hantaviruses, with the deer mouse, white-footed mouse, and red-backed vole being common carriers in Canada. When a human is infected with hantavirus, it can lead to serious respiratory diseases, with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome being the most common in North America. Symptoms often start as flu-like symptoms and can progress to severe respiratory issues.

How does one contract hantavirus? Humans can become infected through indirect contact with the waste of an infected rodent, such as inhaling virus particles while cleaning up rodent droppings or urine. Direct contact, like touching contaminated objects or consuming food exposed to infected rodents, can also lead to infection. Even a rodent bite can transmit the virus.

The National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg has confirmed 163 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Canada since surveillance began in the early 1990s. On average, there are about five cases reported in Canada each year, with the majority of cases concentrated in Alberta. The fatality rate for hantavirus infections in Canada is high, with 34 out of 143 confirmed cases resulting in death.

Symptoms of a hantavirus infection can appear one to eight weeks after exposure and typically include fatigue, fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, there are no specific antiviral medications available to treat hantavirus infections. Patients are usually admitted to intensive care to manage symptoms and provide supportive care like oxygen and ventilation.

Preventing hantavirus infections involves taking precautions when entering enclosed spaces where rodents may have been active, especially in the spring and early summer. Properly ventilating structures and wearing protective gear like masks and gloves when cleaning up rodent waste can reduce the risk of transmission. It’s important to note that rodents carrying hantavirus do not show signs of illness themselves, making prevention measures crucial in avoiding infection.