Abstract

FIGUEIREDO, Luiz Tadeu Moraes et al. A contribution to the knowledge of hantaviruses in Brazil. Inf. Epidemiol. Sus [online]. 2000, vol.9, n.3, pp.167-178. ISSN 0104-1673.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5123/S0104-16732000000300002.

Hantavirus pulmonary and cardiovascular syndrome, an emerging disease transmitted by the inhalation of wild rodent excreta and affecting mostly agriculture workers and other professionals in contact with these animals, is reviewed. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe disease with case fatality ratio greater than 50%. The syndrome is characterized by respiratory distress and shock. Disease management includes early mechanical ventilation and volume administration, preferable in intensive care units. Caution is advised during liquid infusion for shock treatment since pulmonary edema develops frequently. Information about hantavirus pulmonary and cardiovascular syndrome should be widely disseminated among the Brazilian medical community considering that, many cases can be undiagnosed. Rapid and accessible laboratory diagnosis of hantaviruses must be implemented in Brazil and research focused on the development of sensible and reliable diagnostic methods and reagents is encouraged. The control of hantaviruses depends on a multi-professional approach aiming to know the natural history, the biology of the reservoir and of the virus.

Keywords : Hantaviruses in Brazil; Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome; Emerging Viral Disease.

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