Hantavirus spreading worldwide: What is it, its signs and symptoms and how does it spread?

Hantavirus outbreak has been seen on a cruise ship in the Atlantic ocean and it has killed three people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The ship was sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde and WHO officials are now checking on the rare disease which is now becoming dangerous for humans.

What is Hantavirus?

Orthohantaviruses, they are also known as hantaviruses, they are a group of viruses primarily found in rodents, but they can also infect humans. It is a rare but severe respiratory illness that can cause severe bleeding, fever and even death.

How does it spread?

Hantaviruses are spread by rodents, such as mice and rats, through the urine and droppings of infected animals. It’s rare that it spreads from person to person but there are chances it can spread to humans also. Globally, there are an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 cases of hantavirus each year. It is less contagious than airborne viruses such as COVID and influenza.

Symptoms of Hanthavirus?

The time from infection with the hantavirus to the start of illness is usually about 2 to 3 weeks. Most common signs and symptoms of Hantavirus are:

Fever and chills
Muscle aches or pain
Headache
Nausea
Stomach Pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea

As the disease longs for more, it can lead to damaged lung tissues, fluid build up in the lungs and serious problems with lung and heart infection. There are some other signs also:

Cough
Difficulty in breathing
Low Blood Pressure
Irregular Heart rate

Preventive Measures to take:

Though cases of hantavirus are rare, you should seek a doctor if you feel any symptoms. Some of the precautions you can take includes:

1. Prevent exposure to rodents
2. Store food in airtight containers
3. Avoid sweeping/vacuuming rodent droppings; disinfect and wipe instead
4. Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning contaminated areas
5. Air out closed spaces before entering (cabins, basements)
6. Keep surroundings clean; remove clutter, woodpiles, tall grass
7. Use traps to control rodent population
8. Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning or handling waste