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During those times in quarantine, did you catch yourself contemplating viruses and their baffling nature? You may have questioned how viruses and germs, these microscopic organisms, have such an impact on human life. Now you probably learnt about the different ways viruses could spread or be transmitted. Though air, direct contact with the virus, vector-borne transmission, or many other different ways. In this blog, however, we will focus on rodent reservoir transmissions. This is when a virus spreads from rodents to humans. In this blog, we will explore the Hantavirus. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of this virus, discovering its origins, its impact on human health, and the preventive measures you can take against these hidden threats in rodent habitats.
The virus, which was subsequently dubbed the Hantan virus after the Hantan River in South Korea, was originally discovered in the early 1950s during the Korean War, when it severely sickened soldiers. Since then, numerous hantavirus strains have been found all over the world, each of which is linked to a distinct rodent species and causes illnesses.
Imagine a virus that lurks in rodent habitats, waiting to attack unsuspecting people. This Hantavirus, a family of viruses that can cause serious and occasionally fatal respiratory illnesses. These viruses, which are widespread across the world, may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Even though Hantavirus infections are uncommon, they can be fatal; certain strains have a 38% fatality rate.
Usually, the virus infects humans through the inhalation of airborne particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The virus can occasionally be spread by a simple bite or direct touch with these diminutive but powerful animals. Once exposed, the incubation period typically ranges from 1 to 8 weeks before symptoms appear.
So, what are the effects of the Hantavirus? The effects of the Hantavirus can be fatal if it infects a human host. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever Renal Syndrome (HFRS) are the two main disorders that can be caused by the Hantavirus. While HPS initially presents with mild symptoms including fever, sore muscles, and exhaustion, it can quickly worsen and cause lung issues and serious breathing difficulties as the lungs fills with fluid. On the other side, HFRS has its own terrible potential and produces fever, bleeding, and kidney dysfunctions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they worsen, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor. As the disease progresses, it can cause low blood pressure, reduced urine output, and kidney failure. Particularly in HPS, the death rate can reach 40%, but in HFRS, it typically ranges from 1% to 15%. Survival depends on supportive treatment and early detection.
Now, if it was identified more than 40 years ago, were they able to produce a vaccine against it? The answer is actually no. While there were several tries of producing one, until today, a licensed vaccine isn’t produced. Some of the reasons why no vaccine has been produced include the variety of strains that cause different diseases with different symptoms, as well as the limited number of cases. Although hantavirus infections are serious, they are relatively rare compared to other viral infections.
Precaution is key in the face of the lack of vaccination for Hantavirus. First thing first: shut up your home, put food in a secure place, and set up traps around to keep rats out. Use masks and gloves if you have to clean places where rodents have been to prevent breathing in contaminated dust. An even better option is to call an experienced facility to deal with all of that.
In an effort to provide focused therapies and practical preventive measures, current research focuses on the genetic composition of the virus and how it interacts with human cells. Reducing the likelihood and severity of hantavirus epidemics also involves raising awareness and enhancing hygiene standards.
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