Hantavirus infections: clinical presentation in the emergency room

We present a retrospective review of Hantavirus infection in the emergency department. Thirteen cases of Hantavirus infections with renal syndrome from July 1989 to August 1999 were analysed. The diagnosis was confirmed by detection of Hantavirus antibodies in all cases. Fever, chills and headaches were universally present. Intense back pain was associated in 77% of the patients. Thrombocytopenia, abnormal urinalysis, hypertransaminasaemia, increased lactate dehydrogenase were the principal biological patterns. All these parameters returned to their normal level, and all the patients recovered a normal renal function without sequels. The management is supportive. Only one patient in our series had to be dialysed. Hantavirus disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute renal failure with thrombocytopenia, particularly in patients with suspected exposure in known endemic areas. The differential diagnosis of any perplexing case of undifferentiated febrile illness with acute renal failure and thrombocytopenia should include Hantavirus infection.