Early symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome are similar to the flu. Symptoms usually appear about two to three weeks after being exposed to the virus. These early symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches (especially in large muscles like the thighs, hips, back and shoulders)
- Feeling very tired
Some people may also feel dizzy, get headaches and have stomach pain, diarrhea and/or vomiting.
In the later stage of the disease (four to 10 days after the first symptoms start), you may have more serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
How is Hantavirus diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome by reviewing your symptoms and finding out whether you have been around rodents in the last 45 days. Your blood and sputum (phlegm) may be tested for the virus.
