🦠 Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly virus spread mainly by rodents, particularly deer mice. It can cause serious respiratory illnesses in humans, most notably Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
🧬 Causes & Transmission:
- Main source: Inhalation of virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva
- Less common routes: Rodent bites or touching contaminated surfaces then touching mouth/nose
- NOT spread from person to person (except in rare cases of Andes virus in South America)
🩺 Symptoms:
1. Early symptoms (1–2 weeks after exposure):
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches (especially in back, hips, thighs)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
2. Later symptoms (4–10 days later):
- Cough with shortness of breath
- Fluid buildup in lungs
- Low blood pressure
- Respiratory failure (in severe cases)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Based on symptoms, history of rodent exposure
- Blood tests (to detect antibodies or viral RNA)
- Chest X-ray to assess lung involvement
💊 Treatment:
- No specific cure or antiviral drug
- Early hospitalization is critical
- Supportive care in intensive care unit (ICU)
- Oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation
- Fluids and medications to support blood pressure and organ function
⚠️ Complications:
- Respiratory failure
- Shock
- Multi-organ damage
- Death (fatality rate ~35–40% for HPS)
🧼 Prevention:
- Avoid exposure to rodent-infested areas
- Seal holes in homes to keep rodents out
- Use gloves and disinfectants when cleaning rodent droppings (avoid sweeping or vacuuming)
- Store food securely