Hantavirus treatment.
There is no specific antiviral licensed for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Treatment is supportive ICU care: oxygen, mechanical ventilation, careful fluid management, and ECMO if respiratory failure progresses. Survival depends on getting to a tertiary ICU before respiratory collapse.
HPS — supportive care
- Early intubation and lung-protective ventilation as ARDS develops
- Conservative fluid strategy — too aggressive worsens pulmonary edema
- Vasopressors for shock (norepinephrine first-line)
- ECMO referral for severe respiratory failure
- Continuous renal replacement therapy if AKI develops
HFRS — supportive care
- Fluid balance through oliguric and polyuric phases
- Hemodialysis if AKI is severe
- Pressure support; correct electrolyte derangements
- Ribavirin within 4 days of onset has shown mortality reduction in severe HFRS in some studies
Vaccines
No vaccine is licensed in the United States, Europe, or most of the Americas. China and South Korea use bivalent inactivated vaccines against Hantaan and Seoul viruses with strong coverage in endemic provinces. Several mRNA and recombinant candidates are in trials but years from licensure.
If you may have been exposed
See symptoms for the prodrome and red flags. If you were on the MV Hondius, follow the 45-day surveillance protocol from your national public health authority.
Frequently asked
Is there a cure for hantavirus?
There is no specific cure or licensed antiviral for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the Americas. Treatment is entirely supportive in an ICU: oxygen, mechanical ventilation, careful fluid management, and ECMO if respiratory failure progresses. Ribavirin has shown modest benefit for severe HFRS in some studies but is not standard for HPS.
Is there a hantavirus vaccine?
There is no licensed hantavirus vaccine in the United States, Europe, or most of the Americas. China and South Korea use bivalent inactivated vaccines against Hantaan and Seoul viruses with strong coverage in endemic provinces. Several mRNA and recombinant candidates are in trials.
What is the survival rate?
Survival depends on strain and timely ICU access. Andes and Sin Nombre HPS have case fatality of 30–40% even with full ICU care. ECMO availability significantly improves outcomes for severe respiratory failure. Mild HFRS forms (Puumala) have case fatality below 1%.
What about steroids or immunosuppressants?
Steroids are not standard. Some centers use corticosteroids for severe inflammatory presentations, but evidence is limited. Convalescent plasma was investigated for Andes virus but results were inconclusive.
Disclaimer. This page is for general education and does not replace individualized clinical care. Treatment decisions must be made with a qualified clinician.