Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans from the dried droppings, urine, or saliva of mice
and rats. The disease begins as a flu-like illness characterized by fever,
chills, and muscle aches, but it can rapidly progress to a
life-threatening condition marked by respiratory failure as the lungs fill
with fluid. Animal laboratory workers and persons working in infested
buildings are at increased risk to this disease, particularly during dusty clean-up activities.
The following questions link to information
relevant to hantavirus hazards in the workplace. |