What is Hantavirus? What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare but risky lung disease spread by rodents, especially mice. Hantavirus is found in the saliva, urine or feces of an infected rodent.
What causes hantavirus?
Humans can get hantavirus when they inhale the saliva, urine or feces of the infected animal. For example, if you sweep a garage with an infected mouse nest, you can get hantavirus. Sweeping away small particles of the infected animal’s feces, urine or saliva into the air. If you breathe in these tiny infected particles, the virus will enter your lungs and cause you to be sick.
Can you get hantavirus from another person?
No. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a non-transmitted disease. You will not get infected by touching or being near an infected person.
What are the signs and symptoms of hantavirus?
The early symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome are like the flu. Symptoms usually appear about two to three weeks after encountering the virus. These early symptoms could be:
- Fire
- Muscle pains (such as hip, back, arm, leg, thigh and shoulder)
- Fatigue
Some people may also experience dizziness, nausea, headache, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
In the later stage of the disease (about 4 to 10 days after the first symptoms start), more severe symptoms may occur:
- Difficulty breathing
- shortness of breath
- coughing
How is hantavirus diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome by questioning your symptoms and finding out whether you can be with rodents in the past 45 days. In addition, your blood and sputum (sputum) are tested for the virus.
How is hantavirus treatment done?
The earlier the hantavirus infection is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of recovery. The disease can start to be life-threatening after early symptoms (after a few days), so medical treatment is essential. Patients are usually hospitalized and given oxygen to help them breathe.
Are There Any Other Things I Should Know?
Knowing the symptoms of hantavirus infection will benefit you. Call your doctor right away if you experience breathing problems, fever or muscle aches within 45 days of exposure to the virus from rodents. The sooner you start seeking medical attention, the better your chances of recovery.
Who Is At Risk Due To Hantavirus Infection?
- People who are generally near places where rodents live are at higher risk of infection.
- Those living in dwellings, huts or camps where rodents are present
- Campers, hikers and outdoor hikers who often visit places where rodents are found
- Places where rodents are likely to live, for example; People who clean stables, makruh buildings or other grain storage areas
- Electricians, plumbers, painters or construction workers
- People working to control pests, wildlife researchers or other people dealing with wild rodents
How to Reduce Your Risk of Catching Hantavirus?
The first way to reduce your risk of hantavirus infection is to keep rodents away from places where you live, work, and play. Protect your home, cottage, campsite or business from rodents. For this you can:
- Seal holes, cracks and gaps in your home and garage
- Place mouse traps in and around your home
- Avoid easy food sources for rodents
- Be careful when cleaning rodent nests or rodent habitats. Follow the guidelines below:
- Always open doors and windows before cleaning.
- Always wear protective gloves, HEPA filter mask, protective goggles and cleanable clothing and shoes (rubber boots and overalls).
- Clean the mouse trap, its floor and its surroundings with a 10 to 1 mixture of bleach and water (eg 250 ml beach 2.5 liters water).
- Do not vacuum feces as this may cause the virus to enter the air.
