COVID-19 vs. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

About COVID-19 vs. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

COVID-19

  • COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that was first detected in late 2019 and is present worldwide.
  • It is caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
  • Although most healthy people will develop mild to moderate disease, up to 1 in 5 young adults with COVID-19 may require hospitalization.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

  • HPS is a rare and deadly disease caused by infection with hantaviruses.
  • An average of 20-40 cases are reported in the U.S. each year, primarily in the west.
  • Cases are reported year-round with a peak in the spring and summer months.

How Does the Virus Spread?

COVID-19

  • COVID-19 is spread between people in close contact (within 6 ft).
  • Respiratory droplets, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, can land in mouths or noses of people nearby.
  • Studies suggest COVID-19 may spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

HPS

  • Hantavirus is spread by rodents. Infected rodents shed the virus in their saliva, urine, and droppings.
  • People can get infected by breathing in air contaminated after fresh rodent waste or nesting materials are stirred up.
  • HPS is NOT spread from person-to person.

Who Is at Heightened Risk of Infection or Serious Complications?

COVID-19

  • Healthcare providers and family members taking care of patients with COVID-19 are more frequently exposed.
  • Residents of skilled nursing facilities and communal living centers who have frequent contact with others.
  • Older adults and people with chronic underlying medical conditions—heart or lung disease or diabetes—seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications and dying.

HPS

Anyone who comes into contact with infected rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials, this includes:

  • Anyone cleaning up after rodent infestations, or opening and cleaning closed-up buildings, without proper protection.
  • Campers and hikers near areas infested with deer mice or other infected rodents.
  • Construction, utility, and pest control workers in rodent infested spaces.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

COVID-19

Incubation period: 2-14 days

Most common

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle pains

Additional symptoms

  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Loss off smell
  • Runny nose
  • Bloody sputum
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

HPS

Incubation period: 7-60 days

Most common

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle pains

Additional symptoms

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain

What Should You Do If You Are a Healthcare Provider and Suspect a Case of COVID-19?

 

  • Reinforce PPE and isolate patients.
  • Provide supplemental oxygen, as needed.
  • Notify public health authorities, immediately.
  • Consider early transfer to a facility capable of performing ventilation support and ECMO.
  • Send specimens for SARS-CoV-2 testing (PCR).

What Should You Do If You Are a Healthcare Provider and Suspect a Case of HPS?

  • Provide supplemental oxygen as needed.
  • Administer inotropes early for hypotension.
  • Avoid fluid resuscitation.
  • Consider performing the 5-point hantavirus screen.
  • Notify public health authorities immediately.
  • Consider early transfer to a facility capable of performing ventilation support and ECMO.
  • Contact your state/local health department for diagnostic testing.