What Emergency Medicine Specialists Need to Know about Hantavirus: A Letter to the Editor

Hantavirus infection is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening zoonotic disease that requires early recognition in the emergency department. This letter summarizes the epidemiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and current management of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Although the initial presentation is often nonspecific, rapid progression to respiratory failure, shock, or acute kidney injury may occur, necessitating prompt diagnosis and aggressive supportive care. Serologic testing remains the primary diagnostic modality, while treatment is largely supportive, with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation reserved for selected patients with severe HPS. Increased awareness among emergency physicians and timely implementation of infection-control measures are essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality.