According to Global Times, a state-run English-language newspaper, “A person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus on Monday. He was tested positive for hantavirus. Other 32 people on the bus were tested.”
Novel Coronavirus pandemic is not yet over, that a new fear has plunged the world – a Chinese man died due to ‘hantavirus’. However, Hantavirus is not really a new virus and has been infecting humans for decades.
The first case of Hantavirus disease began in 1993 during an outbreak of severe respiratory illness in the Four Corners region. In 19995, it became a notifiable disease.
So, what is actually Hantavirus?
According to the Centre for Disease Control is also known as the New World’ hantaviruses and may cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome [HPS]. And, this virus can infect any man, woman, or child who is around mice or rats. Those rats that carry viruses and hence HPS.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a severe and sometimes fatal disease. Its mortality rate is 38%. If your house is rodent infested then, it can be the primary cause of hantavirus exposure. Not even the healthy individuals are spared and are at risk of catching the infection.
There were cases in Chile and Argentina where person-to-person transmission have occurred. Although there are no reported cases like this in the United States.
Symptoms of Hantavirus
Since HPS is a viral disease, it characteristic symptoms are
- fever,
- chills,
- cough,
- malaise, and
- headache.
Other symptoms can occur, like
- nausea and vomiting,
- muscle or body aches,
- tiredness and fatigue,
- appetite loss,
- sore throat, and
- diarrhea.
What is the incubation period?
After getting infected with Hantavirus through Rodent infestation, saliva, Rodent urine, or Feces or with dust, dirt, it can usually take 12-27 days.
Is HPS Treatable?
There are no studies so there is no treatment, cure, or vaccine for this new world infection. However, we always advice that if the person develops infecrion, then it is better to receive medical care in an intensive care unit. So, if you are/were around rodents and have symptoms of fever, deep muscle aches, and severe shortness of breath, see your doctor immediately.