HANTAVIRUS

NEWS: Recently, three people died and three others fell ill on a Netherlands-based cruise ship due to a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus.

About Hantavirus

• Hantavirus is a virus carried mainly by rodents such as rats and mice.
• It can infect humans and cause serious respiratory and kidney related diseases.
• The virus spreads to humans mainly through inhalation of particles from dried rodent droppings
• Infection occurs when virus particles from rodent urine, saliva, or faeces become airborne and are inhaled.
• Humans may also get infected through: Direct contact with infected rodents

Diseases Caused by Hantavirus

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

• It is a serious respiratory disease affecting the lungs.
• It has a high fatality rate of around 40%.
• Causes severe breathing difficulty due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

• It is a more severe infection affecting the kidneys.
• Symptoms include: Low blood pressure, Internal bleeding, Acute kidney failure

Symptoms

• Symptoms usually appear 1 to 8 weeks after exposure.
• Initial symptoms are similar to flu-like illness, including: Fatigue, Fever, Body pain and weakness
• After around 4 to 10 days, severe symptoms may develop such as: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Fluid accumulation in lungs

Treatment

• No Specific Cure: There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infection.
• Supportive Care: Treatment mainly focuses on: Rest, Fluids, Oxygen support and intensive care in severe cases

Prevention Measures

Rodent Control

• Prevent contact with rodents and their droppings.
• Maintain cleanliness in homes and storage areas.

Safe Cleaning Practices

• Avoid sweeping dried rodent waste directly because it can make virus particles airborne.
• Use disinfectants and protective equipment while cleaning contaminated areas