Mouse urine. Mouse fever is transmitted from person to person

Little gray mice look very cute. But…!!! They are a source of infection and very often are carriers of many diseases that can be dangerous for humans, and often incompatible with life. High fever, severe headache, shortness of breath, lethargy or confusion, a rapidly spreading rash, sharp pains in the lumbar and kidney areas are clear symptoms of mouse fever in adults.

According to the analytical data of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a number of infectious diseases are transmitted to humans precisely from rodents (field mice, rats, squirrels). Adults endure the course of the disease much harder than children. Their body is characterized by the appearance of extensive symptoms and the development of various complications, while sometimes it can only proceed like a cold. The most susceptible to infection are men aged 16-50 years.

Incorrect or late diagnosis, improperly selected treatment or its absence can provoke a fatal outcome. Although there is no cure for the virus itself, maintenance therapy makes it easier to endure the disease.

mouse fever- a natural focal rare infectious disease with an acute course (hemorrhagic fever, accompanied by renal, pulmonary or cardiac syndrome), where the reservoir of the pathogen is an animal (rodent class).

The causative agent of the disease: Hantavirus (Hantavirus), having different strains.

Damage zones: small vessels, renal apparatus, lungs, heart.

Geography: in Eurasia, a type of virus is common that causes kidney syndrome, i.e. damages the kidneys. In this case, the disease has a medical name (HFRS), leading to mortality in 10% of cases. Mostly found in Scandinavian countries epidemic nephropathy(EN), which is one of the types of HFRS, but its mortality is several times lower.

An infected rodent is a carrier of the infection for two years. And it is assumed that only certain types of virus can kill them. In other cases, the virus does not pose a serious danger to the rodent.

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome- a rarer type of mouse fever, which is predominantly ill in America. But according to statistics, it leads to death about 7 times more often (76%).

Demography: Anyone can get sick, but men aged 16-50 are more likely to get sick.

Incubation period averages 12-15 days, but the individual tolerance of an adult, as well as the state of the immune system and a predisposition to resistance, can increase the incubation period from up to 8 weeks.

Disease severity: varies depending on the virus causing the disease. Hantaan and Dobrava virus infections tend to cause severe symptoms, while Saaremaa and Puumala are more easily tolerated. Full recovery may take several weeks or months.

Since we usually have a mouse fever accompanied by a renal syndrome, the article will focus mainly on it.

Etiology (paths of infection)

Adults can contract mouse fever in several ways.

Indirect contact with mouse feces or urine (airborne)

A common way for adults to contract mouse fever is to ingest the virus from mice through inhalation of dust particles that have been contaminated with the feces or urine of an infected rodent. Dust particles contain infected rodent excrement and, getting into the upper respiratory tract, the virus infects the body. Most of all, people are susceptible to infection, in whose work contact with dust containing rodent secretions is possible. These are janitors, cleaners, builders in old buildings, etc.

Direct contact with urine and feces of mice (alimentary route)

Mouse feces or urine may contain viruses and bacteria. Thus, direct physical contact with mouse feces, especially if it is through open wounds or mucous membranes, can be a route of disease transmission to humans. Ingestion of food or water contaminated with mouse droppings and urine can also cause fever.

Bites and scratches

An infected mouse contains disease-causing bacteria and viruses on its teeth, in saliva and under its claws. Therefore, often scratches and bites of mice are potential sources of fever infection.

Insect bites

Fleas and ticks that can live in the fur of rodents can also become carriers of the disease. As a result, they can bite people. With this outcome, viruses and bacteria are transmitted to humans and cause mouse fever.

Carcass contact

Mouse fever is an acute infectious disease, the active virus of which lingers in the tissue of a rodent even after its death. Contact of an adult with a mouse carcass without proper protection may result in transmission.

Positive moment. Mouse fever is a one-sided disease. This means that it is transmitted only from mice to humans. An infected person is not the source of the mouse fever virus. Mouse fever infection is not transmitted from person to person.

But for all the time, there was still a single case of transmission of the disease from person to person in Argentina during the outbreak of the virus.

Clinical signs

The disease is characterized by three stages of development:

severe intoxication of the body;
severe kidney damage;
hemorrhage (hemorrhage of the affected from the affected vessels).

A neglected disease (lack of timely treatment) often acquires an irreversible process with a fatal outcome.

Diagnostics

Complicated diagnosis of the disease hinders its treatment. Experienced doctors recommend paying attention to the color of urine, as well as to the quantitative indicators and frequency of urination (sudden changes in the "habitual" indicators clearly indicate the disease).

Fever goes through four stages of its manifestation:

Initial (phase of origin or prodromal phase).
Oligouric (phase of progression of the disease).

AT this stage of the development of the disease in an adult, the kidneys are affected and the hemorrhagic syndrome begins its active phase.

Polyuric phase
Stage of convalescence (passive phase of the disease).

The second and third periods are distinguished by a clear progression of the disease. New symptoms appear, which are characterized by the intensity of development.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of mouse fever in adults:

mouse fever is always accompanied by fever;
the mark is located within 40 0 ;
severe dizziness and pain;
the whole body overcomes weakness, malaise;
the mucous membrane of the pharynx acquires a red color;
pains in the kidneys and lumbar region become noticeable.

Sometimes signal symptoms are supplemented:

decrease in heart rate;
decrease in blood pressure;
acute reaction to bright light (the patient's negative reaction to light fluxes is accompanied by the formation of a "grid" in front of the eyes);
redness on the face, neck;
the appearance of flat rashes in the armpit and on the body.

initial stage

The initial (prodromal or febrile) phase is accompanied by a number of symptoms:

a sharp rise in temperature;
trembling and chills;
headaches;
muscle pain;
blurred vision (eyes turn red);
hemorrhagic rashes on the neck, shoulders due to vascular damage;
inability to concentrate.

Symptoms of mouse fever in men initial stage usually more pronounced than in women. On examination, the doctor very often detects Pasternatsky's symptom (pain in the kidneys when tapped). If the disease is advanced, then signs of meningitis may also be observed.

This phase takes 3-7 days and usually occurs 2-3 weeks after the bite.

Hypotensive phase

In addition to the above symptoms, the patient receives tachycardia, hypoxemia (lack of oxygen) and. This is due to the fact that the level of platelets in the blood falls. This condition can last up to 2 days.

Oligouric stage

The oliguric stage (impaired kidney function) begins its active phase after 4-7 days and is accompanied by:

decrease in temperature in the patient;
the appearance of sharp unbearable pain in the lumbar region;
dehydration. The volume of urine decreases significantly (urine acquires a reddish color, and its daily amount fluctuates between 200-500 ml). Symptoms of dehydration include dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and decreased urine output in most people.
lack of proper sleep;
decreased appetite (possible severe vomiting);
heart rhythm is abnormal. His score is much lower.

Hemorrhage becomes pronounced:

possible hemorrhage into the skin (fragility of small vessels)
various kinds bleeding.

Despite the drop in temperature, the patient feels just as bad.

The duration of the stage is usually 3-7 days.

Polyuric (diuretic) stage

Symptoms:

frequent urination (symptoms of diuresis) 3-6 liters per day;
the proper functioning of the kidneys is impaired;
swelling of the eyelids, face;
worried about headaches;
there is no sleep.

It may take from several days to several weeks.

Stage of convalescence (rehabilitation eta)

Signs:

general health improves;
urination indicators are normalized;
there is a good appetite;
pain in the lumbar region is less pronounced.

This stage lasts 4-5 days., and indicates an amendment, but not yet a complete recovery. In an adult, the process of convalescence lasts much longer than in children and it may take more than one month for a full recovery.

Complications - what to fear?

Mouse fever is dangerous for its side effects. Bacterial microorganisms can affect almost any organ system.

Extreme temperatures (typically greater than 105.8°F or 41°C) can be devastating. High body temperature can lead to poor performance of most organs. Such an extreme height of the body temperature entails serious illnesses (for example, sepsis, malaria, meningitis).

Mouse fever disease is caused by a virus that causes pain in the lower back, head and muscles, fever. Transmission of the disease occurs only through direct or indirect contact with a carrier rodent. People living or vacationing in rural areas are at increased risk. The consequences of the disease can become very dangerous for a person, therefore, if symptoms are detected, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary tests. A timely visit to the clinic will help start adequate treatment and avoid complications.

What is mouse fever

Representatives of rodents often become carriers of infections. Mouse fever is an acute disease caused by a virus of natural focal origin. In terms of manifestations, the disease resembles colds with fever, aches and chills. However, mouse disease in humans leads to intoxication of the body, kidney problems and thrombohemorrhagic syndrome. It is established that men endure such a fever harder than women. A lethal outcome is possible with renal complications and untimely treatment of mouse disease.

How can you get mouse fever?

The transmission mechanism of mouse fever is based on the spread of the virus from animal to human. In this case, rodents are only carriers, but do not experience symptoms of the disease. The virus is not transmitted between people. Experts know several ways how to get mouse fever:

Air-dust - there is a human inhalation of small particles of mouse feces.
Contact - the virus enters small lesions on the skin upon contact with infected objects.
Alimentary - a person consumes water or food that is contaminated with mouse excrement.

People living or vacationing in rural areas are at particular risk of contracting mouse fever. The disease is widespread throughout almost the entire territory, excluding some areas of Africa. The danger of infection occurs from late spring to early autumn, but there are cases when people fell ill with a fever during a warm winter. According to medical practice, mouse disease can affect even a group of individuals at the same time.

Incubation period

After the patient has been infected, the first signs of the disease may appear after 4-46 days. The average incubation period for mouse fever is about 1 month. During this stage, the virus in the human body begins to multiply, spreading over large areas. The accumulation of pathogenic fever cells occurs in the tissues of various organs and lymph nodes. The indicator of how soon the mouse flu manifests itself depends on the work and condition of the human immune system.

Mouse fever symptoms

Clinical symptoms of mouse fever depend on the stage of the disease. Doctors distinguish 3 periods:

Initial - has a duration of less than 3 days. At this stage, the diagnosis of mouse disease is difficult because the manifestations are nonspecific. The symptoms are similar to the flu. Body temperature rises to 40 degrees, chills occur. The patient complains of intense headaches, dry mouth and general weakness. On examination, the doctor may detect flushing of the skin of the neck, upper chest, face, conjunctivitis. Often one of the signs of a fever is the appearance of a rash.
Oliguric period - lasts 5-11 days. This stage is also characterized by high temperature. Its decrease does not improve the general condition of the patient. For this period of mouse flu, the occurrence of pain in the lumbar region is typical, which can have varying degrees of severity. The patient begins to feel nausea and vomiting, which occurs several times a day. These manifestations are not associated with the use of food or drugs. The condition is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, bloating. At this stage, the mouse virus infects the kidneys, which leads to swelling of the face, eyelids.
Polyuric - consists in a gradual recovery: the cessation of vomiting and pain, the normalization of sleep and appetite, an increase in the amount of fluid during urination. At the same time, the patient has a feeling of dry mouth and general weakness, which begin to disappear after a few days.

In an adult

Symptoms of mouse fever in an adult:

temperature around 40 degrees;
intense headaches;
lowering blood pressure;
eye pain, blurred vision, photosensitivity;
rare pulse;
the appearance of redness on the skin in the area of the face, neck;
the formation of a small rash on the sides, armpits;
nausea, vomiting;
nosebleeds;
eye hemorrhage.

In children

Symptoms of mouse fever in children:

high body temperature (up to 40 degrees);
severe pain in muscles, joints;
frequent nausea, vomiting;
visual impairment;
chills, general weakness;
migraine;
profuse bleeding from the nose, gums.

The first signs of mouse fever

Many patients do not pay attention to the first signs of mouse fever, as they resemble the common cold or acute respiratory illness. The onset of the disease is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, the onset of chills, headaches and general weakness in the body. In addition, conjunctivitis, rash and redness of the skin may form. The patient at the initial stage of the illness caused by the mouse fever virus begins to feel constant dryness in the mouth.

Often the first manifestations of the disease are less acute, resembling a small cold in symptoms. In this case, periodically there is a slight cough, general malaise, drowsiness appears. If you do not consult a doctor for treatment when the fever is just beginning to develop, then it will turn into a more severe form, starting to progress rapidly.

How to identify mouse fever

It can be very difficult for specialists to identify mouse fever in humans. The first step in diagnosis is a thorough history taking. This sets:

whether there was contact with an infected animal, whether there was a bite;
the fact that the patient is in places where the virus is common: field, cottage, forest;
the change in stages that characterizes the mouse infection;
signs of hemorrhagic fever, impaired renal function, intoxication syndrome.

Laboratory methods that can help in diagnosis include:

complete blood count - helps to detect a slight decrease in the number of platelets;
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) - with such a study, specialists can detect in the patient's blood genetic structures characteristic of the pathogen that causes murine typhus;
at the oligoanuric stage, erythrocytes and protein will be detected in the general urine test;
a biochemical blood test will show changes in the levels of enzymes (creatine, urea) that are responsible for kidney function;
in severe cases of the disease, doctors take blood samples to determine the degree of its coagulability.

Mouse Fever Treatment

Setting the correct procedure for the treatment of mouse fever is made by the doctor individually, in accordance with the symptoms, severity and stage of the disease. There is a need to carry out all activities in the hospital of the infectious diseases department. The patient is shown bed rest for up to 1 month, diet. The following drugs can be prescribed as drug therapy:

antiviral drugs (Amiksin, Ingavirin);
painkillers (Analgin, Ketorol);
antipyretic drugs (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol);
anti-inflammatory (Piroxicam, Aspirin);
vitamin therapy (ascorbic acid, B vitamins);
infusion therapy (saline and glucose solution 5%);
with thrombosis, anticoagulants are prescribed;
if the disease is severe, hormone therapy with glucocorticosteroids is used for treatment.

Diet for mouse fever

Therapeutic treatment should be accompanied by a diet for mouse fever. From the diet it is necessary to exclude the use of salty, spicy and heavy protein foods. If the disease has a typical course and there are no complications, experts recommend using diet number 4. As part of this diet, you can not eat the following foods:

fatty and rich broths and soups with pasta, milk and cereals;
meat and fish of fatty varieties, canned food, offal;
whole milk, dairy products;
vegetables and beans;
barley, barley and millet porridge;
flour products (white crackers without a crust are allowed);
sweets, honey, fruits and berries, jam, compotes;
coffee and cocoa in milk;
carbonated drinks.

If rat fever has provoked malfunctions in the urinary system, then you will need to eat food rich in vitamins B, C and K. Doctors prescribe diet No. 1 in this case. What can you eat with a mouse fever with this course:

low-fat ham and sausages, mild cheese;
vegetable salads;
soups with pasta and cereals in vegetable broth;
sturgeon caviar;
weak tea, coffee, cocoa with milk and cream, sweet juices;
dairy products;
sweets (you need to exclude ice cream, muffin);
pies and biscuits without impregnation, puddings;
liver, boiled meat and tongue, cutlets and meatballs;
vegetables (exclude mushrooms and cucumbers);
soft-boiled eggs;
pasta with butter.

Consequences of mouse fever

The infection caused by the fever virus, which is carried by rats, mice and other rodents, is capable of intense damage to the human urinary system. Often it provokes violations of the kidneys. The consequences of mouse fever can be expressed in the following diseases:

pyelonephritis;
renal failure;
glomerulonephritis;
uric acid diathesis.

During the period of mouse fever, secondary infections of a bacterial nature are possible, which can cause the development of serious ailments:

pulmonary edema;
meningitis;
abscesses;
hemorrhage in the brain;
myocarditis;
pancreatitis;
sepsis;
renal failure in a chronic form.

The prognosis of the disease will be favorable if an infected person goes to the hospital on time. After the examinations, the doctor will be able to establish the correct diagnosis. Appropriate treatment should be prescribed according to the findings. It is important to follow all the doctor's instructions correctly, since complications of the infection can be severe and lead to death.

Prevention

Prevention of mouse fever will help reduce the risk of infection with the virus. Since the disease is transmitted exclusively from animals, you should try to avoid contact with them and their waste products:

make food and water inaccessible to rodents;
wash your hands thoroughly before each meal;
if the products are damaged by mice, in no case do not use them;
conduct heat treatment of food consumed;
avoid visiting places where rodents accumulate;
check residential and non-residential premises for the presence of rodents, if their places of residence are found, eliminate them;
if you store food in a cellar or basement, check it carefully.

Video: mouse fever disease

Rodents are carriers of a large number of infections that, when they enter the human body, become the causative agents of serious diseases in children and adults.

Mouse (hemorrhagic) fever is among them. This is an infectious disease with an acute form, which is often mistaken for acute respiratory infections. early stages. Manifested by severe symptoms after the incubation period. This is a very dangerous disease that can result in dire consequences: death, disability.

How is the virus transmitted?

The carriers of this disease are small rodents, which rarely undergo the active phase of this fever. The virus is transmitted to the soil as a result of bowel movements and through the urinary tract of voles or wood mice, as well as rats (including Norwegian rats). There are several main routes of infection. The virus is transmitted to a person by one of them:

aspiration path. You can get infected by getting the virus with dust that contains particles of rodent excrement.
The food (alimentary) way, in which the body becomes infected after eating food contaminated with the virus (vegetables, bread or fruits).
Contact, in which the transmission of the virus occurs directly from the source, you can become infected through damaged skin (abrasions, scratches).

At the same time, the transmission of the disease from an infected person to a healthy one is almost impossible. Mouse fever in children under 7 years of age is rare due to their predominant stay at home.

The most dangerous time is the spring-autumn period, when rodents migrate. This coincides with the conduct of agricultural work. Most often, mouse fever occurs in adult men from 16 to 50 years old, but there is a risk for women during pregnancy and children. Men are more often involved in land work, which leads to such statistics.

Stages of mouse fever

Each subsequent period replaces the previous one, the presence of the virus does not appear immediately.

incubation period. With a range of 7 to 46 days, most people, including men, have about 20 days. Signs of the disease are not detected, a person may not even be aware of the impending danger.

The initial (feverish) period is short-term. He was given no more than three days, but the signs can appear very sharply. The temperature jumps in some cases up to 40 degrees. Most often, the manifestations of this stage are regarded as an emerging cold.
Oligouric stage. During this period, there is a gradual decrease in temperature without a change in the general condition. Its name is due to manifestations of the renal and hemorrhagic nature. Symptoms such as vomiting, pain in the abdomen or lower back appear. There is renal intoxication, a sharp decrease in the amount of urine and its overall density. As a rule, such signs appear on the 4th day or a little earlier.
polyuric stage. This period occurs approximately on the 10th day and is a harbinger of recovery. The main symptoms and signs of fever become more dim, some disappear. The volume of urine tends to normal or may be slightly increased, but the density continues to decrease.
The recovery period is the longest. The process of normalization of the work of the kidneys takes place very slowly, the density of urine is restored. Skin rashes disappear. The path to the final recovery lasts up to six months.

It is worth noting that the symptoms of mouse fever in children are sometimes observed later than in adults, up to the twentieth day from the moment the virus entered the body. Common symptoms in children and adults may include:

High body temperature (up to 40 degrees)
Headaches, migraine
Chills and weakness
Nausea or vomiting
Nosebleeds, subcutaneous hemorrhages
Redness of the skin in the face, neck
pressure drop
Pain in the lumbar region, abdomen
Decreased quality of vision (adults may have hemorrhage)
Disorders of consciousness

Mouse fever requires mandatory admission to the hospital of an infectious medical institution. Since it is not possible to get infected from a person who has caught the virus, after the diagnosis of "mouse fever" is established, the patient can be transferred to any hospital.

The consequences of mouse fever can be very deplorable, so you should not delay contacting a specialist, even if it seems like a common cold.

If the first signs of illness appear, you need to act immediately. Even if the fears are not justified. Diagnostic methods may include:

The delivery of general and biochemical tests, hemorrhagic fever requires a mandatory urinalysis.
Immunological tests to determine the production of antibodies
Serological samples
X-ray or ultrasound of the kidneys (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome)

Mouse fever does not allow self-treatment in any case, especially during pregnancy in women! It should only be prescribed by a doctor. The virus can lead to very negative consequences. Treatment is complex, includes drugs:

Antiviral (virus is the main cause of the disease)
antipyretic
Painkillers
Anti-inflammatory

Treatment of mouse fever by taking a complex of vitamins, a special diet is prescribed. Hemorrhagic fever requires adherence to diets developed depending on the specific clinical situation. Nutrition in the process of recovery should be optimal in terms of vitamin content. Facilitating the path to a healthy state.

Prevention of mouse fever does not involve prior vaccination, so you can protect yourself by taking precautions. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is the best preventive measure for men, women and children. Important rules include:

It is necessary to clean the house as often as possible using antiseptics, carefully wipe the dust, because the virus can live in it. Do not forget about gloves and a mask, especially when it comes to a country house.
Thoroughly clean hands using soap or special products.
It is mandatory to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables (only clean fruits can be eaten), drink bottled or boiled water.
Abrasions and other injuries should be treated immediately, immediately after the appearance.
Do not touch rodents with bare hands.

Of course, these tips are of particular relevance for those who move to the country with the onset of the season. There is nothing complicated in elementary rules. But they should always be remembered, especially for children and women during pregnancy.

There are diseases that are combined into one group according to a common feature of pathological processes in the circulatory system. They are characterized by increased vascular permeability and the appearance of hemorrhages on the skin, in the internal organs. Such diseases are united by one medical concept - hemorrhagic fevers, the causative agents are viruses of various types.

This group includes more than 10 types of viral infections. In our country, 3 forms of the disease are common:

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome;

Crimean;

The vast majority of infected patients have the first form - hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, or the virus infects a person upon contact with rodents or contaminated things.

Symptoms of mouse fever are not detected soon, sometimes it can last up to 3 weeks. The first is an increase in temperature to 40 ° C, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, joint pain, chills.

In the initial symptoms of mouse fever are very pronounced. The infection affects vision, bleeding from the nose and gums begins. Such an acute course of the disease can last up to 4 days, after which the mouse fever subsides, but against the background of an improvement in the condition, its main syndrome begins to develop - renal failure.

The kidneys perform a cleansing function in the human body and remove toxic substances from the blood, which are subsequently excreted in the urine. With a hemorrhagic infection, the main work of the kidneys weakens, as a result, harmful substances enter the bloodstream. Against the background of acute renal failure, other symptoms of mouse fever increase again - nausea, vomiting, women sometimes experience uterine bleeding, and severe weakness occurs. In the lumbar region of patients, the pains are so severe that even a slight touch becomes painful for them. This period in the disease is considered the most dangerous and difficult, it lasts up to 2 weeks.

Next comes the improvement. Around the 21st day, the symptoms of mouse fever subside, the sick person gradually recovers, but such residual effects as weakness and lethargy can be observed for several more weeks.

Sometimes hemorrhagic fevers give dangerous complications, starting with severe renal failure and ending in intoxication shock. Such damage to the body often leads to death.

Unfortunately, while there is no vaccine against such a dangerous disease, the treatment of mouse fever must be carried out strictly in a hospital. In order not to become a patient of an infectious dispensary, one should pay attention to preventive measures. Thorough washing, heat treatment of vegetables and fruits, storage of cereals and all products edible for rodents in a place inaccessible to them, mandatory deratization of rooms where there is an accumulation of mice, rats are measures that are the norm for protection against infection. With strict adherence to a few simple rules, you can completely protect yourself from infection.

For patients diagnosed with mouse fever, treatment is prescribed in the form of strict bed rest, a course of wellness procedures that take place under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Patients are prescribed a strict diet, consisting of liquid and easily digestible foods, enriched with vitamins B and C. Daily consumption of ascorbic acid is also recommended, if hemorrhagic manifestations are detected, vikasol, vitamin K, is prescribed. Every other day, 150 ml is administered, iron preparations are administered orally.

Mouse fever is an acute viral pathology. It is spread by rodents. The scientific name of the disease is hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The infection is characterized by severe manifestations of the excretory organs and blood vessels. The initial symptoms of the disease may resemble those of the flu. Often the patient does not attach importance to them, and the visit to the doctor is postponed. Meanwhile, the pathology progresses, and the virus infects the kidneys. Late treatment can lead to serious complications and even death.

The causative agent of the disease and ways of spread

Mouse fever is caused by hantavirus. It is quite resistant to cold, but quickly dies at temperatures above +50 degrees. In Russia, there are 2 types of this infection:

East Virus. It is found in the regions of the Far East and is spread by mice - Manchurian voles. It causes the most severe and dangerous forms of the disease, in which mortality reaches 20%.
Western virus. Observed in the European part of Russia. It is spread by native species of mice - the red one, and the fever caused by this type of infection is milder. It leads to death in only 5% of cases, usually with untimely or insufficient treatment.

Hantavirus passes from mice to humans in the following ways:

Through dust and air. The virus enters the body by inhalation of dry rodent excrement in the form of dust.
Through food. If the food is contaminated with particles of mouse feces, then the infection enters the body through the stomach.
Through skin contact. You can become infected by coming into contact with objects contaminated with rodent secretions. Sometimes infection occurs through the bite of an animal.

It is important to remember that this disease is never transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one. A patient with mouse fever does not pose any danger to others. You can only get infected from animals.

After an illness, a person develops a strong immunity. It is impossible to re-infect this disease.

Mouse fever in men is much more common. Women suffer from this disease quite rarely. This is due to the fact that infection often occurs during agricultural work, in which predominantly men are employed. The incidence usually increases in autumn and winter.

However, this does not mean that you can get this disease only by living in the village. If mice live in a city apartment, then there is a rather high risk of infection.

Infection often occurs during the collection of mushrooms and berries in the forests where voles live, or during work in garden plots. Infection of children is noted in the summer, during the holiday season in pioneer camps and in summer cottages.

Stages of the disease

To understand the symptoms and treatment of mouse fever, you need to understand how the virus spreads throughout the body. The infectious agent enters the body through the respiratory tract, stomach or skin lesions. If a person's immune system works well, it quickly destroys the virus. But when the body is weakened, the infection begins to multiply, and a disease occurs. Pathology has several stages:

incubation period. It can last a different time - from 1 week to 1.5 months. But on average, the latent period lasts 12-14 days. At this time, the virus multiplies in the body.
feverish period. The infection enters the bloodstream and causes intoxication of the body. This stage does not last long, about 2-3 days.
period of oliguria. The virus begins to infect the vascular walls, which causes bleeding. The pathogen leaves the body in the urine. This leads to damage to the vessels of the kidneys. This is the most severe stage of the pathology, which lasts from 3 to 9-11 days of the disease.
period of polyuria. This stage of the disease is the beginning of recovery. Symptoms of mouse fever gradually disappear from 11 to 30 days of illness.
Full recovery. This period lasts from 1 to 3 years.

It should be noted that the recovery of the body after an infection takes a long period. The consequences of infection can affect the functioning of the body for several months and even years after the disappearance of acute symptoms.

Mouse fever in women is milder than in men. The manifestations of the disease are not so pronounced. However, asymptomatic and erased pathology is not observed.

Incubation and febrile period

During the incubation period, the patient does not feel any change in well-being. Then the first signs of mouse fever appear:

The patient's temperature rises sharply (up to +39.5 ... +40 degrees). The febrile stage of pathology begins. The fever lasts for about 6 days. At the same time, higher temperatures are observed in the morning and afternoon. By evening, the fever is somewhat reduced.
There are phenomena of intoxication: aching joints, thirst, loss of appetite, general malaise.
The patient suffers from severe headaches, which are aggravated by bright light and eye movement.
The skin of the patient becomes hot, a plaque is noticeable on the tongue.
Patients have redness of the face, neck and eyes. Doctors call this symptom the "hood symptom." The face looks swollen.
At very high temperatures, symptoms resembling meningitis can occur: severe headache with vomiting, tension in the neck muscles, impaired consciousness. This is due to the reaction of the central nervous system to intoxication.
In severe cases, blood pressure drops sharply and a state of shock occurs.

It should be noted that the same manifestations are observed in many other pathologies. Symptoms of mouse fever in adults in the initial period resemble severe influenza, meningitis and many other diseases that occur with high fever and intoxication of the body. There are no specific signs of this infection (hemorrhages, kidney damage) yet. It is often difficult to make an accurate diagnosis at this stage.

Symptoms of mouse fever in children during this period are similar. But in a child, the disease is more severe. It begins acutely, without warning. Already at the initial stage, back pain is observed due to kidney damage. Children become lethargic, drowsy, constantly lying in bed.

Oliguria

At this stage, the specific symptoms of mouse fever develop. The temperature gradually drops, but the patient's condition does not improve, but becomes even more severe.

There are signs of kidney damage, which manifest themselves in lumbar pain of varying intensity. Often this is accompanied by bloating and discomfort in the abdominal cavity. The amount of urine excreted (oliguria) decreases sharply, even with sufficient fluid intake. Because of this, the patient develops edema. In the analysis of urine, the amount of protein increases.

Another manifestation of the disease are hemorrhages and bleeding (hemorrhagic syndrome). The skin is covered with small red dots. There are hemorrhages in the eyeballs. One of the symptoms of mouse fever in women is uterine bleeding. Reddish impurities can be found in urine and feces. Hemorrhages from the nose and intestines are noted. In the photo below you can see hemorrhagic rashes with this disease.

Patients have severe nausea. Sometimes patients vomit even from a sip of water. There are jumps in blood pressure. Frequent complaints of abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Hemorrhages in the brain may occur. At the same time, signs of damage to the central nervous system occur: confusion, delirium, hallucinations, fainting.

Polyuria

During this period, patients feel better. Hemorrhages gradually resolve. The excretory function of the kidneys is being improved. At this stage of the disease, patients dramatically increase the amount of urine (up to 10 liters per day). This is called polyuria. Approximately 1 month after the onset of the disease, urination returns to normal.

convalescence period

Recovery of the body after the disease takes a long period (1-3 years). There are residual effects in the form of weakness, increased fatigue. After the illness, many patients experience a slight dysfunction of the nervous and hormonal systems, which manifests itself in increased sensitivity of the limbs, thirst, and sweating. One of the residual symptoms of mouse fever in men during the recovery period may be impotence.

Within 3-6 months, discomfort and heaviness in the lower back, nighttime urge to urinate, thirst, increased diuresis may persist.

Possible Complications

The disease can lead to serious complications. They usually develop at the oligouric stage. The dangers of a fever include:

Uremia. Due to a sharp decrease in the amount of urine, the body is poisoned by decay products. There is vomiting, an unpleasant odor from the patient's skin, a state of inhibition. Urination may disappear completely. Often this condition ends in a coma with a fatal outcome.
Cardiovascular insufficiency. The complication occurs at the initial stage due to intoxication of the body or during the period of oliguria due to hemorrhage in the adrenal glands. The patient has a sharp drop in blood pressure, while there is a strong tachycardia.
Damage or complete rupture of the renal capsule with hemorrhages. In this case, there are severe unbearable pain in the lower back.
Hemorrhage in the pituitary gland. It is characterized by the development of drowsiness, and then a coma.
Accession of a bacterial infection. Against the background of hemorrhagic fever, pneumonia or pyelonephritis may occur.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis and treatment of mouse fever are carried out in a hospital setting. If this disease is suspected, the patient is hospitalized in the infectious or therapeutic department of the hospital.

The following types of examinations are prescribed:

general blood and urine tests;
Ultrasound of the kidneys;
test for antibodies to the virus.

Only enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies can unequivocally indicate the presence of a virus. The results of other studies speak about the disease only indirectly. In the general blood test, elevated ESR and leukocytes are usually noted, and in the urine a reduced density and an increase in protein are detected. Ultrasound of the kidneys shows swelling and changes in the parenchyma.

Treatment Methods

Treatment of the disease is carried out for at least 4 weeks. Within 2-4 weeks, the patient must comply with bed rest. The patient is prescribed a sparing diet with a restriction of coarse food and a predominance of fresh and lean food. It is necessary to ensure that the patient consumes a sufficient amount of fluid.

Therapy of the disease is carried out by the following methods:

A specific immunoglobulin is administered against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. This is the only method of treatment that affects the cause of the pathology. All other therapy is symptomatic.
Patients are given droppers with infusion solutions. This method of treatment helps to reduce intoxication and cause some increase in diuresis. Use solutions of glucose with insulin, "Prednisolone", "Lasix", as well as saline. If urination does not increase, then "Kurantil", "Eufillin", "Dopamine" are prescribed intravenously.
To stop the pain syndrome, "Analgin", "Ketorol", "Ibuprofen", "Baralgin", "Spazgan" are used.
To reduce the temperature, drugs with paracetamol are prescribed.
Antibiotics in this disease are ineffective, since the pathology is not caused by bacteria, but by a virus. Prescribe drugs "Ingavirin", "Amiksin", "Lavomax", "Jodantipirin", "Virazole". They are able to fight viral infection.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are used: Piroxicam, Aspirin.
To increase immunity, general strengthening agents are used: vitamins C, K and group B.
Nausea and vomiting are stopped with drugs "Cerukal" and "Ceruglan".
In severe kidney damage, hemodialysis is performed ("artificial kidney").

The patient is discharged from the hospital not earlier than 3-4 weeks of illness. Within a year after recovery, you must follow a diet and avoid physical activity. Kidney function is fully restored only 2-3 years after the disease. Within 1-3 years, the patient must regularly visit the attending physician and undergo all necessary examinations.

Prevention measures

There is currently no vaccine for mouse fever. In natural foci during the outbreak of the disease, it is recommended to take the antiviral drug "Jodantipyrin" for prophylactic purposes.

Also, to prevent infection, deratization (destruction of rodents) is carried out. It is necessary to avoid contact with mice, keep food away from them and thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits. Food must be subjected to heat treatment, as the virus dies at high temperatures. When carrying out work in places where rodents accumulate, it is useful to use a gauze bandage on the face, this will protect against inhalation of contaminated dust.