A group of virus strains spread through contact with rodents that causes serious bleeding or breathing issues.

Hantavirus strains are in the urine, stool or saliva of rodents. People can breathe in the viruses that become airborne. The viruses also may spread through rodent bites or scratches, in tainted food, or by touching the eyes, nose and mouth with contaminated hands.

Early symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, muscle aches and headache. Lung damage with coughing and trouble breathing is a symptom of later disease. Kidney damage symptoms include vomiting, bleeding and kidney failure.

Treatment of illness caused by hantavirus strains takes place in the hospital. Medicines help manage complications and ease symptoms while the infection runs its course.