$pandemic
What is Hantavirus and How is it Transmitted? • Source: Hantaviruses are a family of viruses primarily carried by rodents, such as mice and rats. Each type of hantavirus is usually specific to a particular rodent host species. • Transmission: Human infection occurs when individuals inhale (airborne transmission) dust or particles contaminated with the urine, feces, or saliva of infected rodents. Less common modes of transmission include rodent bites or the consumption of food contaminated by the virus. • Person-to-Person Transmission: Spreading of hantavirus from one person to another is generally not seen. Limited evidence exists only for a specific type called "Andes virus," found in South America, which can rarely spread among humans through very close contact. Symptoms and Disease Manifestations The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms, but depending on the type of virus, it can lead to two severe conditions: 1.Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Primarily seen in the Americas. Following initial fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, it progresses rapidly to severe shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema). The fatality rate is high (30-50%). 2.Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): Primarily seen in Europe and Asia (including Türkiye). It is characterized by fever, headache, and back pain, along with hemorrhaging due to increased vascular permeability and acute kidney failure. Treatment and Prevention • Treatment: There is currently no specific medication or vaccine against hantavirus. Treatment consists of supportive medical care provided in a hospital setting (often in intensive care), such as respiratory support or dialysis. • Prevention: The most effective method is to prevent contact with rodents. Key measures include rodent control in living spaces, wearing masks when cleaning rural or dusty areas, and using wet cleaning methods (avoiding dry sweeping) to prevent raising dust. #hanta #virus #pandemic
