Hantavirus Symptoms: How To Prevent This Dreaded Disease?

As of now, the deadly coronavirus outbreak has infected over 400,000 people across the world with the death toll almost at 19,000. Amidst this pandemic that the world is striving to battle, there have been recent reports of a person from Yunnan Province dying on his way back to Shandong Province on a chartered bus after he contracted hantavirus.

Many reports have claimed that there were 32 more people on the bus who all have been check for the virus and have tested negative. And as the world is already dealing with a difficult scenario, the idea of another pandemic spreading while the first one is yet to be subdued has understandably created a panic situation. So, here is something that will allow you to breathe a sigh of relief: Hantavirus is not going to be like the coronavirus’ fast-spreading outbreak.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a family of viruses carried and spread by dear mice, causing varied diseases like pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), as per the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But the main thing is that hantavirus is not a new virus as its presence has been detected in cases in both north and south America and Korea in the past. Also, it can’t be transmitted between humans, thus lowering its risk factors.

But how does hantavirus transmit?

It can only be transmitted to people who have come in contact with urine, droppings, feces, or saliva of infected rodents, and then touches his eyes, nose or mouth. It can also be transmitted if the infected rodent bites you.

The early and late symptoms

While it begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, dizziness, chills, muscle ache, abdominal pain, and abdominal problems, the later symptoms include lungs filled with fluid shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and reduced heart efficiency.

How to minimize Hantavirus spread and treatment?

The only solution here, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is to minimize the rodent population, at least in your immediate area. Seal up holes in your home or garage, place rat traps in and around your home, and keep your area clean.

As for its treatment, there exists no cure or vaccine for hantavirus infection but if it is detected in an early stage, intensive medical care increases the possibility of full recovery.