ABSTRACT
Studies indicate that, like other bunyaviruses, Hantaan virus, the prototype virus of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), and several antigenically related viruses, isolated from wild rodents captured in HFRS-endemic and -nonendemic regions, possess a tripartite, negative-sense, single-stranded ribonucleic acid genome and four virion proteins. The severe form of HFRS is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, chills, backache, and generalized myalgia. The clinical features of nephropathia epidemica, the mild form of HFRS, closely resemble those of the severe form, but hemorrhagic manifestations are uncommon and deaths are rare. The basic pathological lesion of HFRS is endothelial cell damage or dysfunction which is manifested by widespread capillary engorgement, diapedesis of erythrocytes and focal hemorrhage, and altered capillary permeability. Specific treatment is unavailable, but scrupulous supportive and symptomatic care with special attention to fluid and electrolyte balance and blood pressure may be lifesaving.
