It is a zoonotic illness carried by specific rodents, including deer mice, white-footed mice, and cotton rats.  

• Humans predominantly contract the virus through aerosolisation- inhaling airborne viral particles from disturbed infected rodent waste (urine, droppings, or saliva)

Effect on Body

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): It is a respiratory illness and has a high fatality rate of about 40%.
• Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): Impacts the kidneys.

Symptoms

• Hantavirus usually begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and fever, one to eight weeks after exposure.
• Four to 10 days later, coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid in the lungs appear.

Treatment

• There is no specific therapy for hantavirus infection, so treatment focuses on supportive care, including rest and fluids.

Source: The Hindu