Emergency Medicine Board Bombs 258. Hantavirus: Desert Killer you can't miss
Jun 2, 2025
Discover the hidden dangers of a stunning national park as the podcast dives into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Learn about its transmission through rodent droppings and the crucial signs to recognize. Experts discuss exposure risks and essential management strategies for healthcare professionals. You’ll find out why awareness is vital even if you're not an avid hiker. Stay informed and prepared for one of the most lethal infections you may not know about!
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Case Example of Hantavirus Presentation
- A 34-year-old man returned from backpacking with fever, myalgias, and shortness of breath.
- His chest x-ray showed flash pulmonary edema despite no CHF, raising suspicion for hantavirus.
Hantavirus Transmission and Geography
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is rare but deadly and spread by inhaling aerosolized rodent excreta.
- The deer mouse is the primary reservoir, and the disease is most common in the US Southwest.
When to Suspect Hantavirus
- Suspect HPS in patients with viral symptoms and rapid respiratory failure with rural exposure.
- Risk factors include cleaning cabins, hiking, or disturbing rodent nests.