The world is at a war against Coronavirus, countries and states declaring lockdown and urging the citizens for social distancing. Amidst all the panic among the citizens because of Coronavirus, a man in China’s Yunnan province is tested positive for the Hantavirus.
People are fighting the Coronavirus epidemic around the world but another virus is spreading too. Here, we are going to talk about the Hantavirus which is also known as HPS virus. As per the reports, Hantaviruses are RNA viruses transmitted to humans by rodents (rodent-borne). People are talking a lot about this virus and we have some early reports about it. Also, HPS is a dangerous virus and here we are going to talk about the symptoms, treatment, & details will be given here,
People across the world who are still reeling from the Wuhan Coronavirus are panicking over hantavirus. After the test reports of the man from China came out Twitter was flooded with the hashtag #Hantavirus. Now before we panic, it is important to understand what actually is Hantavirus and how one does get affected by this virus.
What is Hantavirus?
In this disease, the patient started feeling hazy and experience lung congestion, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and shortness of breath. Also, the reports are suggesting that patient also feels hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) as the disease progresses. It is a huge virus and it does kill a lot of people too. You must know that Health officials first identified Hantavirus in an outbreak in 1993 in the “Four Corners” area of the southwestern U.S.
Hantavirus which causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome it is caused by rodents. Rodents are the main carriers of this family of virus and it can cause varied disease syndrome. Each rodent host species has a specific type of hantavirus serotype and it can spread to people through an aerosolized virus that is shed in urine, feces and infected host.
Hantavirus Causes
HPS or Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is caused by several types of viruses and the main carrier of these viruses are different kinds of rodents. One can get the disease by inhaling virus particles. This can be from rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Touching objects or eating food or saliva infested that has been released in the air are also some of the reasons for getting infections. Rat bites also contribute to this.
In North America, the primary carrier of these viruses is the deer mouse. Some other rodents include the white-tailed mouse, the cotton rat and the rice rat. Cases of Hantavirus have been found in India as well. In 2008, the hantavirus struck a group of snake and rat catchers. In 2016, a 12-year-old died in Mumbai due to the hantavirus infections.
Even healthy individuals can be prone HPS infection when exposed to the virus. The primary risk for hantavirus exposure is rodent infestation.
Signs and symptoms of Hantavirus
Well, Physicians usually diagnose HPS presumptively by the patient’s lung symptoms or the patient’s association with rodents. It is expected that Hantavirus will kill a lot of people but it isn’t going to do that because people mostly doctors are well aware of this kind of serious virus. Overall, currently, the world is fighting an epidemic and we aren’t going to make you all afraid.
HPS has a small incubation period and symptoms can also deliver over 1 to 8 weeks. There are some early symptoms which may appear a lot like bad cold or the flu. People might also have a fever and headaches. Some symptoms include
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pan
- Trouble breathing.
Condition of the patients can even get worse after 4 to 10 days. The signs then include
- Shortness of breath
- Cough with secretions
- Lower blood pressure
- Fluid in the lungs
HPS has fatality rate of 38%, making it more dangerous than coronavirus.
Treatment of Hantavirus
Diagnosis of this virus is difficult as the symptoms might confuse. The symptoms of this infection are a lot like influenza, much like the coronavirus symptoms. Blood tests are the most effective way to diagnose Hantavirus.
In scientific terms, the Hantavirus is something which represents several groups of RNA-containing viruses. This virus is dangerous and yes it could kill a lot of people if it will spread too. So far, this isn’t something we are expecting to happen. Overall, Hantavirus is a killing virus it is just different to Coronavirus.
There is no cure or treatment to kill the virus. No specific treatment other than medical care and ICU has been found to cure the infection. Only oxygen therapy can help with respiratory distress. The best way for the patient is to reach the hospital as soon as possible.
Prevention of Hantavirus
The best prevention from this virus is to minimize the contacts with rats at home or work and your surroundings. Clean environment and pest control can help a lot.
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