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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/17201.htm
Hantavirus
Overview
Hantavirus is a life-threatening viral infection most often spread by human contact with rodent waste. In 14 to 17 days after exposure, a dangerous respiratory illness can develop. Effective treatment is not yet available. Many people who get the illness in their lungs will die from the infection. One type of hantavirus, called the Andes virus, may spread from an infected person to another person, but this remains rare.
Review Date 5/25/2026
Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
