On March 24, information appeared about the death of a man in China from a hantavirus. And all at once began to compare it with a coronavirus. Hantavirus is not a new virus, as the media write, it was studied 70 years ago.
The first person infected with the new hantavirus has died in China. It is reported by China Global Times. A fatal case was discovered on March 24 in a man from the Chinese province of Yunnan. The infected person died when he returned to work on the bus. The Chinese authorities immediately checked 32 other passengers who were riding the same bus as the deceased. Such measures were carried out in order to know whether or not other passengers of the bus were infected.
Hantavirus, dangerous or not
In China, where the Sovid-19 outbreak occurred, a person died from a hantavirus transmitted to a person from mice. Such news instantly raised a panic.
According to the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents that can cause various disease syndromes in people around the world.” The virus is excreted in urine, feces and carrier saliva, and less commonly through bites. According to the Center for Control of Infectious Diseases of the United States, the risk of infection is extremely high even for an absolutely healthy person.
This type of hantavirus has not yet been encountered in China and generally in other parts of the world except North and South America. The last case was recorded in Argentina, where during October 2018 – January 20, 2019 29 confirmed cases of the disease were recorded, of which 11 ended in death.
Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Hantaviruses are a large class of viruses, like coronaviruses. Therefore, they can cause diseases of varying severity.
The most common disease that hantaviruses cause is murine fever or hemorrhagic fever with severe renal syndrome. A new death was caused by another disease – hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. The group at particular risk of infection includes residents of the countryside, summer residents and lovers of outdoor recreation.
How is hantavirus transmitted:
- Airborne dust. A person inhales small particles with the feces of a carrier rodent. Therefore, the risk increases in the dry season.
- Contact Damaged skin touches an infected object, earth, plant.
- Consumption of water or products from rodent-infected feces.
news-subtitle cke-markup" style="text-align: center">Symptoms of Hantavirus
This is a respiratory disease that is complicated by SARS. The CDC claims that early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle pain, especially in large muscle groups – legs, back, and shoulders. These symptoms are universal. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, and stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. About half of all patients experience these symptoms.
In the later stages, shortness of breath, coughing and pneumonia appear, which causes pulmonary failure. Heart failure may also occur. These symptoms cause death. The incubation period is from 1 to 4 weeks.
news-subtitle cke-markup" style="text-align: center">Hantavirus Treatment
Specific therapy for the treatment of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome has not yet been invented. All treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. It includes: the fight against intoxication, pulmonary and cardiovascular support.
Scientists continue to study the potential effectiveness of ribavirin, since they obtained promising results in animals. The disease has a high mortality rate of about 40%.
news-subtitle cke-markup" style="text-align: center">Hantavirus Prevention
Since cases of transmission from person to person have been recorded only in Argentina (and they are doubtful), all prevention is aimed at minimizing contact with rodents.
- Protect food and water sources from rodents;
- Wash hands before each meal;
- Do not eat food damaged by mice;
- Thermally process products;
- Check all food stored in cellars or other places;
- Do not contact animal waste products.
When the first symptoms appear, it is important not to self-medicate and consult a doctor in time.
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