Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS FOR CAMPERS IN AFFECTED AREAS "There is no evidence to suggest that travel into areas where Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome has been reported should be restricted. However, persons who do outdoor activities such as camping or hiking in areas where the disease has been reported should take precautions to reduce the likelihood of their exposure to potentially infectious materials." -- Centers for Disease Control WHAT IS HANTAVIRUS PULMONARY SYNDROME? Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rare but serious and often deadly respiratory disease predominately reported in rural areas of the southwestern United States. The disease was first recognized in this country in early 1993. As of 1998, a total of 183 cases of HPS had been reported here. Forty-four percent, or almost half of these cases have been fatal. The disease can strike even the young and healthy. In a single instance, one confirmed case of HPS is believed to have been contracted in Grand Canyon National Park. HPS is caused by a virus carried by rodents, primarily the deer mouse, passed on to humans through infected urine, saliva, or droppings. The virus becomes airborne as mist from urine and saliva or as dust from droppings. Breathing in the virus is the most common means of infection. However, humans can also become infected by touching the mouth or nose after handling contaminated materials or through a rodent’s bite. The virus can be killed by most common household disinfectants such as bleach or alcohol. Symptoms of HPS usually appear about two weeks after infection but can appear in as little as three days to as late as six weeks after exposure. Early symptoms generally appear to be flu-like and include fever, headache, and abdominal, joint, and/or muscle pain. Nausea and vomiting are also sometimes present. Fever and muscle pain are the most prominent early symptoms in almost all reported cases and often precede the onset of respiratory symptoms. The primary concern, however, is fluid buildup in the lungs, which can happen very rapidly. Difficulty in breathing results, which can progress to an inability to breathe, resulting in death. The appearance of any combination of the symptoms described – especially difficulty in breathing – after either direct or indirect exposure to rodents is reason for concern. Immediately seek medical attention. Tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to rodents and insist on being tested specifically for Hantavirus. Keep in mind that many health care professionals outside of the American Southwest may not be familiar with Hantavirus. This disease is often misdiagnosed as pneumonia, which is cause for concern because the treatment for pneumonia is not what should be done in the case of Hantavirus infection. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF HANTAVIRUS INFECTION? Again, the risk of infection is small. However, it does make sense to exercise reasonable precautions when engaging in outdoor activities. The number one rule is: AVOID CONTACT WITH RODENTS AND THEIR NESTS, DENS, OR BURROWS Do not pitch tents or sleep in proximity to rodent droppings or in areas that may shelter rodents. Do not sleep on the bare ground. Always use a ground cloth and sleeping pad or sleep on a cot or in a tent. Keep food and eating and drinking utensils in rodent proof containers. Dispose of garbage properly. Wash your hands often, particularly before retiring for the night. Do not consume or store food in or around your sleeping area. Do not wear clothes to bed that contain food particles, stains, or smells.