Though both successfully detect hantavirus, the nucleocapsid antigen is common among a number of hantaviruses, cross-reacting to preclude definitive identification. The FC G1 glycoprotein, though, is unique to FC and thus provides rapid identification of FC in both rodents and humans. Transmission and Prevention Though infection is evidently asymptomatic or even non-pathogenic for the rodent hosts, hantaviruses are shed prolifically in urine, feces, and saliva of infected animals for a period lasting several weeks. It is presumed that the primary means of transmission to humans is via inhalation of viruses in aerosolized rodent excreta or of dried excreta that has become powdered and airborne by disturbance. People likely to come into close proximity to rodent excreta, especially in rural areas known to be inhabited by infected animals, should take precautions to avoid such exposure.
Nosocomial transmission seems unlikely, so universal precautions are appropriate.
Early intensive care is essential. Immediate efforts to monitor and correct pulmonary, hemodynamic, and electrolyte disturbances can be effected by Fluid administration Administration of inotropic agents to augment myocardial contractility. Flow-directed catherization of the pulmonary artery can facilitate detection and monitoring of decreased cardiac index, increased vascular resistance, and low pulmonary wedge pressure. Though ribavirin has been used with success in HFRS from Old World hantaviruses, its effectiveness in New World virus infection has not been demonstrated in preliminary trials. Though only relatively small numbers of humans are affected by hantavirus infection, the mortality and nature of HPS are severe enough to warrant serious precautions and education efforts in suspected endemic areas.