What is Hantavirus? Know All About Its Symptoms, Prevention, and Care

Hantavirus, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, HPS, HFRS 

 Synopsis:

Hantavirus (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome)  is a deadly virus that affects the lungs or kidneys. It helps spread through rodent waste. Its symptoms are associated with flu, making doctors' diagnosis difficult. 

Key Highlights:

·         Hantavirus spreads derived from mice or rats.

·         By breathing in tiny dust particles from mouse pee, poop, or spit, People can get sick.

·         Hantavirus spreads if a mouse bites or scratches a person, but this is rare.

·         Hantavirus can be very dangerous, with a death rate of about 38%.

Hantavirus is a germ that recently killed the Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Latest research confirmed that Gene Hackman died from heart disease, just days after his wife passed away from a rare illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). But what is this deadly disease?

What Sickness Does Hantavirus Cause?

Hantavirus can cause two main kinds of sickness:

·         HPS - Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which affects the person's lungs.

·         HFRS, i.e. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome affects the kidneys.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

It can be very dangerous and affects the lungs. People may start feeling sick 1 week to  60 days after coming into contact with the virus.

HPS's Early symptoms include:

·         Feeling very tired

·         Fever 

·         Muscle pain, particularly in the shoulders legs, and back

·         It creates dizziness and Headaches 

·         Stomach complaints such as  diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain

 The sickness gets worse after a few days. The patient may find it hard to breathe while coughing because their lungs fill with fluid. This virus can be very dangerous, some people may die from it.

 Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

 HFRS mostly affects the kidneys. A person with this sickness may feel sick 1 to 2 weeks after getting the virus.

 Early symptoms include:

·         Strong headaches

·         Pain in the back and stomach

·         Fever and chills

·         Feeling sick or wanting to throw up

·         Blurry vision

·         Red face or eyes

·         Later, it can become worse, causing:

·         Low blood pressure

·         Kidney problems

·         Bleeding inside the body

·         Lot of fluid in the body

·         Some people get very sick, while some may recover in a few weeks or months.

 How Do Doctors Confirm Hantavirus?

At first, it is difficult for doctors to declare if someone has hantavirus as it looks like the flu. If a person has muscle pain,  fever,  or feeling very tired and has been near rats or mice, they should see a doctor immediately.

 Can Hantavirus Be Cured?

 There is no special medicine for hantavirus. Doctors suggest:

·         Giving rest and giving water

·         Helping people breathe if they have lung problems

·         Using a dialysis machine, if the kidneys stop working

 How to Stay Safe from Hantavirus?

·         Always Keep your home clean,  do not let rats or mice come inside.

·         Do not touch or go near rat or mouse poop.

·         wear gloves and a mask before cleaning, If you see rodent droppings, 

·         Wash hands with soap after cleaning.

·         Keeping rodents away and Staying clean can help protect you!

 There are 38 types of hantavirus worldwide, with 24 that can infect humans. The virus is often mistaken for the flu in the early stages, making it hard to diagnose.

 Symptoms usually appear one to eight weeks after exposure. The virus is mostly found in rural areas, where rodents carrying it live.

 Even though the disease is severe, it is still rare in the U.S. Between 1993 and 2022, only 864 cases were reported. The most cases were in New Mexico and Colorado.

 The virus spreads mainly through rodent waste. People can get infected when they clean places with rodent droppings or disturb their nests. In rare cases, it can spread through bites or scratches from infected animals.