Introduction:- In this article, we will tell you about Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) i.e. generally known as Hantavirus. Symptoms of Hantavirus, Prevention, Treatment and all other important facts that we must know.
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What is Hantavirus?
Hantaviruses or Orthohantavirus are also known as Hantaviruses Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). It is a severe respiratory disease caused in humans by the infection of Hantaviruses. The virus was named as Hantaan virus, after the name of the river Hantan.
It causes a rare but serious lung disease called Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
How Hantavirus can be transmitted in Humans?
It is mainly spread to people from rodents or rats via urine, feces, and saliva, and in some cases by a bite from an infected host. The most important hantavirus in the United States that can cause HPS is the Sin Nombre virus, spread by the deer mouse.
It can also be transmitted through airborne particle-containing excretions of rodents urine, feces and saliva.
So far, the transmission of hantavirus has not transferred from human-to-human contact.
What are the initial signs & symptoms of Hantavirus?
The initial symptoms that may appear to a person infected with these viruses are fatigue, fever, and muscle aches in thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders.
Apart from that one may also experience headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
After a few days (usually 4 to 10 days) late symptoms that are seen include shortness of breath and coughing.
Lung congestion and accumulation of fluids in the lungs are also noticed.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Hantaviruses
Diagnosing Hantaviruses Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in an individual early is very difficult because early symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue are similar ones with influenza.
However, it can only be ascertained after a few days if the patient had a history of rodent exposure and complaint of coughing and shortness of breath over a period of time.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus infection that has been known to date. However, the only treatment is early detection & treatment of the infected person before it gets worse.
Therefore it is of great importance to report doctor as early as possible and inform him about rodent or rats exposure if any.
How to prevent Hantaviruses?
The only way to prevent Hantaviruses is to reduce rodents or rats infestation at your home and surroundings by sealing all the holes or gaps. Keep your home neat and clean.
Is there a test for Hantaviruses?
Presently, there are no available tests to diagnose HPS or even hantavirus infection in the early stage of the infection or disease.
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