HANTAVIRUS PULMONARY SYNDROME

By : Delane, Kassidee and Laryssa

Causes of HPS

This disease is caused by the direct contact or inhalation of urine, droppings or saliva of an infected rodent.

You are more susceptible to this disease if you live or work in rodent infested areas.

HPS is not communicable between humans or animals. This disease is purely environmental.

Affected Organs

HPS primarily attacks the lungs. It infects the walls of capillaries, making

them leak and flood the lungs with fluid. The fluid in the lungs makes breathing

very difficult.

Symptoms

Symptoms may seem similar to a severe cold or flu.

They may develop1 to 5 weeks after exposure.

Early symptoms: fatigue, fever, and muscle aches.

Later symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, and severe breathing problems.

Other symptoms include headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

 

How common is HPS ?

RARE! In 2007, there were 465 reported cases

in the USA, 35% of them were fatale.

Treatment or Cure

There is no specific treatment for HPS however, cases are treated in the intensive care unit with oxygen therapy.

There is no known cure!

Sources

Medscape referenceWritten by Dr. Burke A Cunha, MD at the University

of New York School of Medicine

54 different doctors and theses were consulted by the authors regarding this disease

Alberta Health and WellnessThis is a Government of Alberta website

Written in conjunction with Health Link Alberta and Health Canada