Puumala hantavirus infection is a rodent-borne viral illness found mainly in northern and central Europe. It can cause nephropathia epidemica, a usually milder form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The infection can affect kidney function and occasionally requires hospital care.
How infection occurs
Puumala virus is carried by bank voles. People are usually infected by breathing contaminated particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva, particularly while cleaning enclosed buildings, sheds, wood stores or other dusty spaces where rodents have been present. Infection can also follow direct contact with contaminated material.
Ordinary person-to-person transmission has not been documented for Puumala virus. A different hantavirus, Andes virus in the Americas, has occasionally spread between people.
Symptoms
- Fever, chills, headache and marked fatigue
- Muscle, back or abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting or reduced appetite
- Blurred vision or a temporary change in vision
- Reduced urine output followed later by increased urination
- Dizziness or low blood pressure
The infection can cause low platelet levels, leakage from small blood vessels and acute kidney injury. Some people require hospital monitoring, intravenous fluids or temporary dialysis. Recovery may take several weeks or longer.
Diagnosis and treatment
Tell the clinician about possible rodent exposure and recent travel or work in an affected region. Blood tests can confirm hantavirus infection and assess platelet count, kidney function and other complications.
There is no specific curative antiviral treatment for Puumala infection. Care is supportive and focuses on careful management of fluids, blood pressure, kidney function and complications. Do not try to treat suspected kidney involvement by forcing large amounts of water.
Prevention and safe cleaning
- Seal gaps that allow rodents into homes, sheds and workplaces.
- Store food and animal feed in rodent-proof containers.
- Ventilate enclosed contaminated spaces before cleaning when safe to do so.
- Do not dry sweep or vacuum rodent droppings because this can spread contaminated dust.
- Wear appropriate gloves, wet contaminated material with a suitable disinfectant and follow local public health guidance.
- Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt medical assessment for fever with severe back or abdominal pain, vomiting, reduced urination or blurred vision after possible rodent exposure. Contact local emergency services for breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding or inability to pass urine.
This information is general and does not replace individual medical assessment or treatment.