What are the symptoms of hantavirus infection?

Hantavirus infection typically presents in two phases. The early (febrile) phase, lasting 1-7 days, includes fever, severe muscle aches (especially in thighs, hips, back, shoulders), fatigue, headaches, dizziness, chills, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. The late (cardiopulmonary) phase, occurring 4-10 days after initial symptoms in HPS cases, brings cough, shortness of breath, fluid in the lungs, and rapidly progressing respiratory failure. HFRS variants additionally cause acute kidney injury and bleeding manifestations. Symptoms can be confused with influenza or COVID-19 — a key differentiator is the rapid respiratory deterioration. If you have these symptoms and have been exposed to rodents or visited endemic areas, seek medical attention immediately.