Hantavirus is a single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus commonly spread through rodents. Mainly it causes infection in rodents, but they are no disease symptoms in them; rather, it’s being transferred to humans around those rodents. The family of the hantavirus is Hantaviridae and phylum Negarnaviricota.
History of Hantavirus
Hantavirus is named after a virus outbreak in South Korea near the Hanta River in 1976, which was isolated by Ho Wang Lee. The virus has been found in every continent except Australia. Majorly countries like Argentina, Chile, United States, China, and Panama are being reported with more cases of this virus. Recently in 2020, a man was found positive in China and died while traveling for work.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) Signs and symptoms
It is a rare, deadly viral infection spread by rodents like mice and rats. The virus is transmitted through their urin
e, droppings, and saliva, which is rich in the virus that can enter the air.
People can get the disease if they breathe infected air or come into contact with rodents or their urine or droppings. The person infected with this gets symptoms like muscle pain, fever, diarrhea, nausea, tiredness shortening of breath, coughing.
Hantavirus Cure & Prevention
The best way to prevent infection is by controlling rodents around the home by disposing of rodents nest, putting rat traps. As of now, there is no FDA approved vaccines that have been in commercial use; a vaccine named Hantavax is under study since 1990. A patient suffering from HPS is kept in the intensive care unit, with breathing machines and oxygen therapy.