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There is no fixed “stay” period before death for those who are infected with hantavirus; it depends on the strain, health, and treatment of the person affected.

Incubation: The incubation period of exposure is 1-8 weeks (most commonly, 2-4 weeks). Early symptoms of the flu are similar to the common cold but are also more severe and can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea.

Severe Disease: If the infection progresses to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), the most serious, symptoms may improve for several days and then suddenly get worse. Coughing and extreme difficulty in breathing occur 4-10 days after first symptoms, due to accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which causes respiratory failure and shock.

Time to death: Some individuals die shortly after the onset of respiratory distress, typically within 24-48 hours. About 38% of people with HPS will die. With supportive care (no antiviral treatment available), those who make it through the critical period typically recover in weeks to months.

Early high dependency and hospitalization greatly improve the chances of survival. Hantavirus, while uncommon, is a very serious illness: treatment needs to be initiated immediately if there is a suspicion of contact with rodents.