Hantavirus Outbreak: After the Corona epidemic that shook the world, now the name of Hantavirus is once again causing concern around the world. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been alarmed after three people died due to the spread of Hantavirus on a cruise ship. Experts warn that this virus, which is mainly spread by rodents, is now possible to spread between humans under certain conditions.
Confusion on a cruise ship
According to the World Health Organization, a total of eight cases of hantavirus have been reported on a cruise ship traveling in the South Atlantic. Among them, three passengers died. The condition worsened as symptoms like fever and severe difficulty in breathing appeared. The ship is currently docked in Spain’s Canary Islands and the victims are being kept in special isolation. This incident once again raised fears about the spread of the virus around the world.
How does Hantavirus spread?
Hantavirus is usually transmitted through contact with the feces, urine, or saliva of infected rodents. The risk of contracting this virus is high due to the lack of cleanliness in areas where rats roam, especially in polluted places. However, the virus strain identified this time is “Andes virus”, which is causing concern to experts. The Mayo Clinic notes that this strain, found in South America, has the ability to spread from person to person under limited circumstances.
An increasing risk with climate change
Experts say that due to global warming and climate change, rats are moving towards human settlements in search of new habitats. This increases the chances of spreading the virus. It is warned that this risk is likely to be high especially in sea journeys, closed places and areas with lack of hygiene.
These are the symptoms of Hantavirus.
Hantavirus symptoms are similar to the common flu at first. This makes it difficult to detect at an early stage.
* Fever
* Severe headache
* Muscle aches
* Chilling
* Stomach problems
* Vomiting
* Difficulty in breathing
As the disease progresses, it directly affects the lungs and worsens respiratory problems. In some cases, the kidneys are also affected. Immediate hospital treatment is crucial as the mortality rate is high.
What is WHO saying..?
WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has responded to the global panic over Hantavirus. It has been clarified that the risk of this virus turning into a pandemic like Covid-19 is very low. “People should not compare hantavirus with corona virus. It is not a major threat to public health at present. We have taken necessary control measures. There is no need to panic,” said Dr. Tedros.
Is there a treatment?
Currently there is no specific vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available for hantavirus. They are trying to save the lives of the victims by immediately admitting them to the ICU and providing them with oxygen support and fluids.
Prevention is the best way
Good hygiene is very important to protect against Hantavirus. Health experts suggest to take precautions like staying away from places where rats roam, maintaining cleanliness in houses and using masks in contaminated areas.
