With the arrival of summer, vacations in country houses, camping o picnics They present themselves as the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature, good weather and the outdoors. However, this scenario can become risky if adequate precautions are not taken to avoid the spread of one of the most dangerous and common viruses in these environments: Liver.
The risk of contagion is high, since a simple contact – direct or indirect – with the saliva, urine or excrement of infected rodents is enough to trigger the disease. Urban or rural environments with abundant vegetation, such as grasses, grains and wild fruits, are especially dangerous, as they attract rodents. Therefore, the main sources of risk are found in the rural areas between regions III and XI.
In this context, Rafael Borgoño, Medical Director of Mutual de Seguridadexplains that prevention is key to reducing the risk of contagion, especially in people who spend time outdoors. Regarding the severity in case of infection, Burgundy points out: «Patients who develop cardiopulmonary syndrome due to hantavirus require intensive medical care, where mechanical respiratory assistance must be provided. If not identified in time, this disease can be fatal.”
How can Hanta be spread?
Direct contact: Although it is a less common type of infection, simple contact with an infected rodent, live or dead, or its bite can trigger infection when you are in a urban or rural environment with abundant vegetation, herbs, grains and wild fruits, which are especially attractive to these long-tailed mice.
TAir transmission: Exposure to an environment in which there is fresh urine, fresh or dried excrement, saliva, and even nesting remains can cause contagion. In the case of urine, it is enough for the area containing it to shake a little for small droplets to come into contact with the air, facilitating contagion.
Contaminated objects: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Governmentsome research indicates that the virus can also be contracted by simply touching an object that is contaminated with rodent urine, excrement or saliva, and then touching your mouth or nose.
Por the digestive tract: Other studies also consider that people can become infected by eating food contaminated by urine, droppings or saliva from infected long-tailed mice.
What activities are risky for contagion?
Aopening and cleaning of unused places: Opening and cleaning cellars, roofs and other buildings that have been closed or unused for a long period during the fall, winter or spring represent a potential risk for contracting the infection, especially in rural areas.
Lhome cleaning: Cleaning the house, both inside and out, can become a risk if mice have decided to live and nest in it too, especially in places with a colder climate.
Outdoor jobs: Work such as construction, agriculture, and even pest control are mostly exposed to the contagion of the virus. Hanta virus.
Chikers and hikers: Especially during summer vacations, people who camp in rural areas, hike or hike can become infected by coming into contact with rodent waste.
Note: Always use gloves, a mask, bleach and eye protection glasses for cleaning.
What are the symptoms?
The contagion of the virus triggers a clinical condition called Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndromewhich has the following symptoms:
First symptoms: They can appear up to 45 days after contagion and are assimilated to those of a flu condition, with fatigue, high fever, chills, pain musculoskeletal, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and difficulty breathing, so that, if any of these symptoms are present, you should immediately go to the nearest emergency service.
Slater symptoms: Between the fourth and tenth day after the first symptoms of the disease, secondary symptoms will appear. These include a strong cough and even more intense shortness of breath.
There is no possibility of making an effective intervention on wild rodents. In this way, the only effective measures are prevention, early diagnosis of the disease and proper management of patients.
* **What specific environmental conditions in regions III to XI make them particularly conducive to Hantavirus transmission, and how do these factors contribute to the increased risk in these areas?**
## World Today News – Hantavirus: A Hidden Danger
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News! Today, we’ll be diving into a serious public health concern: the Hantavirus, a potentially fatal disease that’s on the rise, particularly during the summer months. We’re joined by two experts to shed light on this often overlooked threat. Dr. Rafael Borgoño, Medical Director of Mutual de Seguridad, brings his extensive medical expertise, and [Insert Guest 2 Name & Title], an expert on [Guest 2’s relevant expertise]. Welcome both!
**Section 1: Understanding the Risk**
* Dr. Borgoño, the article highlights a specific geographical area – regions III to XI – as having a higher risk of Hantavirus.
Can you elaborate on why these areas are particularly prone to this virus? What environmental factors contribute to this heightened risk?
* [Guest 2], from your perspective, how does the increasing popularity of outdoor activities, especially during summer vacations, intersect with the spread of Hantavirus? Are there specific activities or destinations that pose a greater risk?
**Section 2: Transmission and Prevention**
* Dr. Borgoño, the article lists several ways Hantavirus can be transmitted. Could you explain the most common avenues of infection, and which ones are most concerning?
* [Guest 2], the article mentions using gloves, masks, bleach, and eye protection during cleaning. Can you provide detailed advice on practical steps individuals can take to minimize their risk of exposure, especially when engaging in outdoor activities like camping or hiking?
**Section 3: Recognizing the Symptoms**
* Dr. Borgoño, the article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis. What are the initial symptoms people should be aware of that might indicate Hantavirus infection, and how can they differentiate them from more common illnesses like the flu?
* [Guest 2], what are the potential consequences if Hantavirus is not addressed promptly? What steps should individuals take if they suspect they may have been exposed to the virus?
**Section 4: Beyond Individual Precautions**
* Dr. Borgoño, what role can public health organizations and government agencies play in mitigating the spread of Hantavirus? Are there any ongoing public awareness campaigns or preventative measures in place?
* [Guest 2], looking forward, what strategies or research developments do you see as promising for tackling the Hantavirus threat in the long term?
**Conclusion**
Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. The summer season should be a time of enjoyment and outdoor adventure, but it’s crucial to be informed and prepared. We hope this discussion has provided our viewers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of Hantavirus.
