Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): What Happens

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What Happens

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) quickly progresses (within 4 to 7 days) from fever and muscle aches to severe breathing difficulty with fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and heart problems.

• When severe respiratory symptoms develop, hospitalization within 24 hours often is needed.
• During the initial outbreak of the virus in 1993, about 70% of people who developed HPS died.¹ Today, the death rate has fallen to 40%, perhaps because of improved treatment with fluids and other supportive care early in the course of the illness.¹

The likelihood of death is greatest for people who develop shock and whose blood develops too much acid (acidosis).

In people who survive, recovery occurs fairly quickly. For most people, breathing tubes can be removed after 2 to 4 days, although they may continue to receive oxygen for as long as they are in the hospital. These people are usually able to leave the hospital after 7 days.

It is not yet known whether HPS has any long-term effects on the lungs in people who survive the illness.

Last updated:	March 03, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Mark A. Rasmus, MD - Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC