Hantavirus is one of a group of viruses that can cause serious health complications and put people’s lives at risk.
In recent weeks, the hantavirus has caused concern in various parts of the world due to the way it spreads, although there is no official health alert on the subject yet.
One of the most well-known recent cases of this disease is that of pianist Betsy Arakawa, wife of the late actor Gene Hackman
In essence, hantavirus is potentially fatal and is transmitted to humans by rodents, as mentioned on the specialized site Medline Plus.
However, it does not spread from person to person, but only through rodents, especially the deer mouse.
What is hantavirus?
When talking about hantavirus, specialists mention that it is a family of viruses that includes several types and causes different diseases . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these can infect humans and cause serious illnesses.
According to the CDC, hantaviruses cause two syndromes: hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Of these, the most common in Western countries is the pulmonary syndrome.
The Mayo Clinic describes flu-like pulmonary syndrome as a rare infectious condition that begins with flu-like symptoms, although the clinical picture worsens quickly. Thirty-eight percent of cases of this disease are fatal.
The syndrome can cause life-threatening heart and lung problems. Symptoms appear between one and eight weeks after infection.
Symptoms of hantavirus respiratory syndrome (HPS)
- Fever and chills
- Muscle and headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular heart rate
Symptoms of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS)
- Severe headaches
- Back and abdominal pain
- Fever
- Shivers
- Nausea
- Blurry vision
- Redness of the face and eyes, inflammation or rash
- Low pressure
- Lack of blood flow (acute shock)
- Internal bleeding
- Acute kidney failure, which can cause severe fluid overload.
Regarding this disease, it is estimated that between five and 15 percent of cases could be fatal.
How is the hantavirus spread?
Experts say that people contract hantavirus when they have contact with rodents, such as rats and mice , especially when they are exposed to their urine, droppings or saliva . On the other hand, it can also be transmitted through a rodent bite or scratch, although this happens infrequently.
According to the Mayo Clinic, infection most often occurs when the virus is inhaled, as it can travel through the air when rodents are nearby. It can also be acquired by eating food contaminated with mouse saliva, urine, or droppings.
Experts add that the virus can also be contracted by touching a contaminated object and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose.
As for treatment, specialists stress that options are limited. According to the CDC, patients should receive supportive care, such as rest, hydration and treatment of symptoms . Some may require respiratory assistance, such as intubation .
The best alternative to prevent the spread of hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodents as much as possible and to safely clean their habitats. Finally, remember that this information is for guidance only and that if you experience any abnormal symptoms, you should immediately go to your doctor or nearest health center.
. According to several international media, Arakawa died from complications of hantavirus.
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