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News: Three people have died, and three others have fallen ill following a suspected outbreak of Hantavirus on a Netherlands-based cruise ship.
About Hantavirus
- Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried mainly by rodents that can infect humans.
- The virus name comes from the Hantan River area of South Korea, where the virus was identified in the 1970s.
- Transmission: The virus is mainly transmitted when people inhale air contaminated with particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
- In rare cases, the infection can also spread through rodent bites or scratches.
- Common carriers: They include rodents such as deer mice, rats, and other wild rodents.
- Main diseases caused: It causes two kind of illnesses:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Hantavirus can cause a serious respiratory illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
- It is most commonly found in North and South America.
- HPS usually begins with symptoms like fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, and can later progress to severe breathing difficulties.
- The mortality rate of HPS is approximately 38 percent, making it a life-threatening condition.
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): HFRS primarily affects the kidneys and can lead to low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Hantavirus can cause a serious respiratory illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
- Symptoms: General symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, chills, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, and breathing problems in severe cases.
- Four to 10 days later, coughing, shortness of breath and fluid in the lungs appear.
- Who are at high risk: People are at higher risk if they are exposed to areas with rodent infestations, especially while cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Preventive Measures: Preventive measures include avoiding contact with rodents, keeping surroundings clean, and using protective gear such as masks and gloves when handling potentially contaminated areas.
- There is no specific cure for hantavirus infection, but early medical care and supportive treatment can improve the chances of survival.
