Health authorities in the United States (US) have issued warnings following a recent spike in hantavirus infections, resulting in four fatalities this year. Transmitted by rodents, hantavirus is an incurable disease with a mortality rate of approximately 38%.
While typically uncommon, the virus has become a growing concern due to increasing case numbers in Arizona and California.
Arizona Outbreak
Arizona has experienced a significant surge in hantavirus cases, with six confirmed cases and three deaths reported within the past six months. This represents a substantial increase compared to the 11 cases recorded from 2016 to 2022.
California Resurgence
California has also reported two hantavirus cases and one fatality this year, including a case in a county free of human infections for two decades. This resurgence underscores the need for heightened vigilance and preventative measures.
Climate Change Connection
Extreme heat waves may be contributing to the increase in hantavirus cases. Climate change can disrupt ecosystems, leading to the spread of disease-carrying species. While the specific role of climate change in individual cases is difficult to determine, its potential impact on the emergence of vector-borne diseases cannot be ignored.
Hantavirus in India
Although not a major public health threat in India, sporadic hantavirus cases have been documented. The first instance of the virus in the country was identified in Vellore, South India, in 1964.
That is why Implementing preventive measures in areas prone to rodent infestations is crucial for minimising risks.
Hantavirus Symptoms
Hantavirus infections can manifest in two primary forms: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). Symptoms vary depending on the syndrome.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
HPS typically occurs in two stages:
Early Stage
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches (often in the thighs, hips, and back)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
Late Stage
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
- Intense headache
- Back and abdominal pain
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
These symptoms can be similar to other illnesses.
Preventing Hantavirus
Hantavirus is primarily spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine, and saliva. Here are some essential prevention measures:
Rodent Control
- Seal Entry Points: Block any potential entry points for rodents into your home or workplace.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean up food spills and crumbs.
- Store Food Properly: Keep food and garbage in sealed containers.
- Use Traps: Set humane traps if you have a rodent infestation.
Personal Hygiene
- Avoid Contact: Never handle rodents or their nests with bare hands.
- Proper Cleaning: When cleaning areas contaminated with rodent droppings, wear gloves and a mask. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming as this can spread the virus. Instead, dampen the area with a disinfectant before cleaning.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with potentially contaminated areas.
Outdoor Precautions
- Camping And Hiking: Avoid sleeping directly on the ground. Use tents or sleeping bags.
- Ventilation: When entering enclosed spaces like sheds or cabins, open doors and windows to ventilate before entering.
As there is currently no cure or vaccine available for hantavirus, prevention and early detection are paramount in managing outbreaks. If you suspect you may have been exposed to hantavirus, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.