Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
What Increases Your Risk
The risks of developing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) are increased if you breathe in tiny airborne particles formed when rodents urinate or if you come into direct contact with infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. Bites from infected rodents also may increase your risk of developing HPS, although this is a rare method of infection.
People who live in or visit rural areas, especially in western Canada and the western United States, have an increased risk of coming into contact with rodents infected with hantaviruses, because the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is common in these areas. Other areas of Canada and the U.S. also have rodents that may carry hantaviruses.
Hantavirus infection also may be more likely to occur if you:
- Live in a home, cabin, or other dwelling where rodents have nested or are nesting.
- Clean barns and other outbuildings where rodents have nested.
- Disturb rodent burrows while hiking or camping.
- Plant or harvest field crops.
- Live in or visit areas in which the rodent population has increased.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Ralph Poore | Last Updated: May 23, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Pierre Rollin, MD - Center's for Disease Control and Prevention | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Topic Overview | |
| Cause | |
| Symptoms | |
| What Happens | |
 | What Increases Your Risk |
| When To Call a Doctor | |
| Examinations and Tests | |
| Treatment Overview | |
| Prevention | |
| Home Treatment | |
| Medications | |
| Surgery | |
| Other Treatment | |
| Other Places To Get Help | |
| References | |
| Credits | |