Treatment of Hantavirus Infection:

People who live in areas where Hantavirus illnesses have occurred should take precautions to rodent-proof their homes and make outdoor areas as inhospitable to rodents as possible. People who live in areas not yet touched by hantavirus should avoid contact with rodents and be cautious about cleaning up their nests or droppings.

Public health officials emphasize that most tourist activities pose little or no risk, and that travelers need not worry about visiting areas where hantavirus has cropped up. Campers, however, should seek advice locally about avoiding native rodents.

Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, may be of some benefit. But what appears to help most is being hospitalized early, monitored carefully, and treated with intravenous fluids and medications that help normalize heart rate and breathing and kidney function.