Understanding hantavirus transmission and effects
Hantavirus refers to a strain of viruses spread by rodents through their bodily fluids and excrement, reports BritPanorama.
Humans often become infected when they inhale particles from dried rodent droppings. Typically, this occurs during attempts to dispose of droppings by sweeping them up, which can cause aerosolisation of the particles. The most common hantavirus in the United States is spread by the deer mouse.
Infection can also occur through contact with contaminated objects followed by touching the mouth or nose. Although rare, hantavirus can spread via rodent bites or scratches.
Only one hantavirus, the Andes strain native to South America, is known for rare person-to-person transmission.
In Europe and Asia, hantaviruses can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, impacting kidney function. Initial symptoms include headaches, abdominal pain, and nausea, which may escalate to low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports fatality rates between 5% and 15%, with symptoms typically manifesting one to two weeks post-exposure.
In the Americas, hantaviruses lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, initially presenting flulike symptoms.
Over time, some patients may experience shortness of breath and chest tightness as the lungs fill with fluid. Symptoms can develop between one to eight weeks following exposure.
Authorities continue to monitor rodent populations and public health measures to manage the risk of hantavirus spread.
