Hantavirus

About Hantavirus:

• Hantavirus is a strain of virus carried by rodents.
• Transmission: It is transmitted to humans through inhalation of particles from dried rodent droppings.
• People most typically become infected when virus in rodent droppings, saliva and urine becomes airborne.
• The virus is known to cause two severe illnesses one that primarily affects the lungs and the other that attacks the kidneys. 
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): It is respiratory illness and has a high fatality rate of about 40%.
  • Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which is a more severe infection and impacts the kidneys. Symptoms can include low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.
• Symptoms:
  • Hantavirus usually begins with flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and fever, one to eight weeks after exposure, according to the CDC.
  • Four to 10 days later, coughing, shortness of breath and fluid in the lungs appear.
• Treatment: There is no specific therapy for hantavirus infection, so treatment focuses on supportive care including rest and fluids.