Hantavirus: Deadly rat disease claims lives in the US, are there cases in India as well? – Times of India

Hantavirus, unfold by way of rats, has claimed 4 lives within the US. “HPS is a extreme and doubtlessly lethal illness that impacts the lungs. Signs of HPS normally begin to present 1 to eight weeks after contact with an contaminated rodent,” the US CDC defines the illness.
Early signs to know
The early signs of the illness are fatigue, fever, muscle aches, particularly within the giant muscle teams just like the thighs, hips, again, and generally shoulders.
“4 to 10 days after the preliminary section of sickness, the late signs of HPS seem. These signs embrace coughing and shortness of breath. Sufferers may expertise tightness within the chest, because the lungs fill with fluid,” the US CDC warns in regards to the illness.
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is a complication related to hantavirus an infection. The signs of the complication develops inside 1 to 2 weeks. Preliminary signs are intense complications, again and belly ache, fever/ chills, nausea and blurred imaginative and prescient.
At a later stage the affected person may develop low blood stress, lack of blood move (acute shock), inside bleeding (vascular leakage) and acute kidney failure.

Preventive measures

Hantavirus prevention is essential because of the critical well being dangers related to this viral an infection, which might result in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Efficient prevention begins with minimizing publicity to rodents, as hantavirus is primarily transmitted by way of contact with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Make sure that houses and workplaces are saved clear and free from rodent infestations. Seal entry factors equivalent to gaps in doorways, home windows, and foundations to stop rodents from coming into. Use traps or skilled pest management providers to handle rodent populations safely.
Moreover, it’s important to make use of protecting measures when cleansing areas contaminated with rodent droppings or urine. Put on gloves, a masks, and goggles to keep away from direct contact and inhalation of mud. Moisten droppings or urine with a disinfectant earlier than cleansing to scale back aerosolization of probably infectious particles. Eliminate contaminated supplies rigorously and wash palms totally afterward.

Consciousness and training are very important for efficient prevention. Be cautious in out of doors settings, significantly in areas the place rodents are frequent, equivalent to rural or forested areas. Frequently monitor and handle rodent management practices to safeguard your well being and stop hantavirus transmission.

Hantavirus in India

As per a analysis examine, the primary hantavirus isolate to be cultured, Thottapalayam virus, is the one indigenous isolate from India, remoted from an insectivore in 1964 in Vellore, South India. “Initially believed to be an arbovirus, this isolate was later proved to be a member of the household Bunyaviridae and genus Hantavirus, based mostly on electron microscopic and serological research,” the researchers have mentioned within the 2023 examine.
Whereas it isn’t thought of a significant public well being concern, circumstances have been reported sporadically. The virus, primarily transmitted by way of contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, poses dangers in areas with rodent infestations.