HANTAVIRUS SYMPTOMS
How to recognize hantavirus infection — from early flu-like signs to the dangerous cardiopulmonary phase. Know when to seek emergency care.
Incubation
1–8 weeks after exposure (usually 2–4 weeks)
No symptoms. The virus is replicating but you feel normal.
Early / Prodromal
3–5 days
- Fever (101–104°F / 38–40°C)
- Fatigue and muscle aches, especially in large muscle groups (thighs, hips, back)
- Headache
- Chills and dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
These symptoms look like the flu. If you have been around mice or their droppings recently, tell your doctor.
Cardiopulmonary (dangerous)
4–10 days after symptom onset
- Shortness of breath that gets worse quickly
- Cough
- Lungs fill with fluid (pulmonary edema)
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Low blood pressure
This is a medical emergency. Go to the ER immediately. HPS kills about 1 in 3 people, but early ICU care improves survival significantly.
Recovery
Weeks to months
Survivors may need weeks on a ventilator. Full lung recovery can take months. About 64% of HPS patients survive with hospital care.
When to go to the ER
If you have fever + muscle aches + shortness of breath and you have been around rodents, rodent droppings, or in a rural cabin/shed/garage in the past 8 weeks — go to the emergency room immediately and tell them about the rodent exposure. Early hospital care is the difference between life and death with HPS.