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What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a group of viruses that can infect humans after contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. In the UK, it is uncommon, but it can cause serious illness if symptoms are missed.
People usually become infected by breathing in tiny particles contaminated by rodents. Less commonly, infection can happen after touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Early symptoms to watch for
Early symptoms of Hantavirus infection often feel like a flu-like illness. These may include fever, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, chills, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Some people also develop stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain. These signs can be easy to mistake for a common viral infection at first.
As the illness progresses, a dry cough or shortness of breath may appear. This can be a warning sign that the infection is becoming more serious.
How the symptoms may develop
Symptoms usually begin one to eight weeks after exposure to infected rodents or their droppings. This delay can make it difficult to connect the illness with a recent exposure.
At first, the symptoms may be mild and non-specific. However, they can worsen quickly in some cases, especially if breathing becomes difficult.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent medical advice if you have possible rodent exposure and develop fever, muscle aches, or breathing problems. In the UK, you should call NHS 111 for advice, or 999 if symptoms are severe or getting worse quickly.
Tell a healthcare professional if you have been cleaning a shed, loft, garage, or other area where rodents may have been present. This information can help them consider Hantavirus alongside other causes of illness.
Reducing your risk
The best way to reduce the risk of Hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodent droppings, urine, and nesting materials. Use gloves and follow safe cleaning advice if you need to clear an area where rodents have been.
Good hygiene, sealing gaps in buildings, and keeping food stored securely can also help prevent rodent problems. If you are unsure whether an illness could be Hantavirus, medical assessment is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early symptoms often start like the flu and may include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and sometimes dizziness or chills.
Yes, the early stage can feel similar to a cold or flu, with fever, tiredness, and body aches before more serious breathing symptoms develop.
Yes, muscle aches are one of the most common early symptoms, especially in the back, thighs, hips, and shoulders.
Yes, fever is a common early symptom and may appear along with chills, headache, and muscle pain.
Yes, headache is frequently reported early in the infection and may come with fever and general weakness.
Yes, unusual tiredness or exhaustion can be one of the earliest signs of Hantavirus infection.
Yes, some people develop nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort early in the illness.
Yes, early Hantavirus infection may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain in some cases.
Yes, chills can occur early and may appear with fever, headache, and muscle aches.
Yes, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur early, especially with fever, weakness, or dehydration from vomiting.
Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure, but the early signs themselves can start suddenly once illness begins.
No, breathing problems usually come later; the first symptoms are often fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Yes, it often begins suddenly with a flu-like illness that may progress quickly.
Shortness of breath is generally a later and more serious symptom, though it can develop rapidly after early flu-like signs.
Yes, some people notice reduced appetite early along with nausea, fatigue, and fever.
They are less typical than with a common cold, but some people may have mild upper respiratory symptoms early on.
Yes, the early symptoms are often mistaken for influenza because both can cause fever, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
You should seek medical attention quickly if flu-like symptoms occur after possible rodent exposure, especially if breathing trouble, chest tightness, or worsening illness develops.
Yes, recent exposure to rodent droppings, urine, nests, or bites makes flu-like early symptoms more concerning for Hantavirus.
A sudden flu-like illness after possible rodent exposure, especially fever, muscle aches, and severe fatigue, is an important warning sign.
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