hantavirus disease

hantavirus disease

A disease caused by viruses of the Hantavirus genus. In Britain it can affect farm, nature conservancy and sewage workers and those engaged in water sports. Many cases are mild and inapparent but severe cases feature high fever, headache, shock, nausea and vomiting and small blood spots (PETECHIAE) in the skin. The eyes are red and the face, neck and shoulders flushed. Blood pressure drops and kidney failure may occur. In 10% of severe cases there is significant bleeding. The virus is carried by rats, field mice and bank voles and probably passed to humans by inhaling dried animal secretions.