90-Second Read: Hantavirus: Do We Need to Worry About This Rare Infection?

In the Americas, infection with Hantavirus first leads to symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, and abdominal symptoms like diarrhea. When the infection becomes severe, patients can later develop Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, with shortness of breath, cough, and ultimately respiratory failure. Similarly, those who are flying are more likely to be exposed to an upper respiratory infection, like a cold, than Hantavirus.

Hantavirus refers to a group of viruses that are typically spread by rodents. Different Hantavirus species are in different parts of the world. Hantavirus can lead to different symptoms, depending on where geographically a person was exposed.

But there are very few cases…only 890 reported cases in the United States since tracking started in 1993. More than anything, this recent Hantavirus outbreak reminds us of how interconnected the world is, noted Abdoler. Her message to the public is to not panic, and to acknowledge that public health is vital to managing the ever-present threat posed by communicable diseases.