Treatment:

An effective treatment for hantavirus infection involving the lungs is not yet available.

Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever that involves the kidneys (with renal syndrome) does respond to treatment with ribavirin given through a vein (intravenously). This medication shortens the illness and reduces the risk of death.

Treatment must be given in the hospital. Often patients are admitted to an intensive care unit.

Oxygen therapy is used. Blood gases are closely monitored. Severe cases will need respiratory support with a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) and ventilator.

Expectations (prognosis):

Hantavirus is a serious infection. Even with aggressive treatment, more than half of the cases are fatal.

Complications:

• Cardiorespiratory failure
• Death
• Kidney failure

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms after being exposed to mouse urine or feces (excreta), or dust that may have been contaminated with mouse excreta.