How is HPS (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome) treated?
A. With antibiotics
B. With oxygen therapy
C. With chemotherapy
D. None of the above
Because HPS is caused by a virus, antibiotics have no effect. There is no specific cure or treatment. Oxygen therapy helps the patient during severe respiratory distress, the CDC says. A person with HPS usually is placed in an intensive care unit and may need to use a mechanical respirator to breathe. The earlier the illness is recognized and the person brought to intensive care, the more effective treatment is likely to be.