These infectious particles can be generated when humans disturb contaminated soil, litter, or nesting materials. The greatest chance of exposure occurs when people live, work, or play in areas that are infested by rodents, deer mice in particular. It is also possible that the disease can be spread to humans in rodent bite wounds or or via contamination of small skin breaks. No person to person transmission has been documented in North America, although one case of person to person transmission of the Andes virus occurred in South America. Other common signs include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and weakness.
Some people report shortness of breath, joint pain, and dizziness.
By the time most infected individuals get to the hospital, they will have increased heart and respiratory rates. Blood pressure drops and fluid builds up in the lungs, resulting in ineffective breathing. A mechanical ventilator is often required. Eventually the heart muscle will become affected and the heart rate will slow down. This X-ray comes from a patient with severe Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.