Early non-specific symptoms
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches, often large muscle groups
- Marked fatigue or malaise
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
Symptoms
Early hantavirus symptoms often resemble influenza or other febrile respiratory infections. Exposure history is essential.
Respiratory warning signs
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or chest pain
- Rapid worsening after a flu-like phase
- Signs of shock such as faintness, confusion, cold skin, or very low blood pressure
Respiratory distress after possible exposure should be treated as urgent.
Renal or bleeding features reported in HFRS
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced urination or kidney dysfunction
- Bleeding tendency or bruising
- Severe back or abdominal pain
- Fluid balance problems requiring hospital monitoring
Why exposure history matters
Early symptoms are clinically non-specific. A clinician needs to know about rodent exposure, cleaning of enclosed spaces, travel, occupational risks, and any close contact with confirmed Andes virus disease.