Síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavirus / Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome

A hantavirose é doença emergente e amplamente distribuída em todo o mundo. A transmissão ocorre principalmente através da inalação de aerossóis formados a partir das excretas e secreções de roedores silvestres contaminados. Acomete especialmente indivíduos que têm contato com o meio rural e com esses animais. São conhecidas duas formas distintas da doença em humanos, a febre hemorrágica com síndrome renal, na Ásia e Europa, e a síndrome pulmonar e cardiovascular, nas Américas. O relato deste caso justifica-se pela complexidade da doença e importância do diagnóstico precoce por se tratar de afecção grave com altas taxas de letalidade.

Hantavirosis is an emerging disease widely spread over the world. It is acquired specially by inhalation of aerosols produced from secretion and excreta of infected wild rodents. It affects mostly individuals that have contact with such animals, especially in rural areas. Two distinct forms of the disease have been reported among humans, namely: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Asia and Europe, and cardiopulmonary syndrome in the Americas. This case report is relevant because of both the disease complexity and the importance of early diagnosis to treat this severe infection that has high lethality rates.

Hantavirus infection: a rare disease which you should be aware

Hantavirus infection is caused by viruses classified in the Hantavirus genus, of the Bunyaviridae family. Recently a new hantavirus has been recognized. Specific endemic areas has been identified, however a new outbreak was identified in the southwestern of the United States. The principal vectors are rodents. Human infection occur by aerosol from rodent urine, saliva, feces and rodent bites. The infection classically is manifested clinically by fever, hemorrhage and renal failure. The recent outbreak was associated with acute respiratory illness without renal involvement. The treatment is with intravenous Ribavirin. Specific recommendations for prevention and control are presented here in