Hanta viruses are a group of viruses spread to people from rodents causing viral hemorrhagic fever. They are transmitted, by inhaling dried rat faeces (usually from brushing or beating carpets).

There is no person-to-person transmission and no vaccine exists.

It is rare but serious infection with symptoms of high fever, chills, increased bleeding, and shock and kidney failure.

Hanta Virus Pulmonary Syndrome exists with fluid developing in the lungs usually in the first 10 days.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
This is caused by Sin Nombie virus (Hantavirus family), which is transmitted by deer mouse (which do not become diseased).

Humans are accidental hosts and risk depends on climate.

Deer mice spread this virus through their urine and faeces.

Peak season is usually May and June.

Distribution is throughout the U.S. Other similar diseases are in the Eastern U.S but different viruses cause these.

Clinical Symptoms
- early Influenza type symptoms
- develop ARDS after

Lab Findings
- all patients have significant thrombocytopenia
- high hematocrit (sever hemo-concentration)
- immunoblasts, elevated, LDH, hypoxemia (fatality rate 50% usually in 1st wk)
- immunoblasts
- clue to Hantavirus
- this will not be seen as an automated CBC
- needs to be reviewed by a lab technologist
- Diagnosis confirmed with serology (Elisa, Western Blot)
- Treatment is supportive only
- Prevention - must focus on avoidance of mouse urine and feces, abandoned dirty buildings.
Be careful if cleaning these buildings

Hanta virus Links:
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/
Hantavirus.net http://www.hantavirus.net/