Hantavirus is a type of virus in the family Hantaviridae of the order Bunyaviridae. This virus mainly infects wild rodents and is transmitted to humans through saliva, urine is needed.
Most of the time, the infection occurs when you inhale viral particles into the air, producing symptoms approximately 2 weeks after contact with the virus. The main signs and symptoms of the infection are vomiting, headache and severe body pain, as well as effects on the lungs. heart or kidneys, which can be very serious.
- Therefore.
- If hantavirus infection is suspected.
- It is important that the person goes to the hospital to diagnose the disease and start treatment to relieve symptoms.
- As there is no specific treatment to eliminate the virus.
Similarly, it is important to develop strategies to prevent disease, avoiding the maintenance of food scraps that can attract rodents to the home; Avoid shaking the octopus in enclosed environments that may house rodents; Store food so that rodents are not within reach.
The first symptoms of a hantavirus infection can appear between 5 and 60 days (within 2 weeks) after infection, which can lead to fatigue, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and pain. This initial symptom pattern is quite nonspecific, as it could be confused with other types of infections such as influenza, dengue, or leptospirosis. Learn about symptoms, complications, and how to treat leptospirosis.
After the first symptoms appear, the function of certain organisms is known to be compromised, meaning that the virus spreads and the disease is at a more advanced stage, so it may appear:
Recovery is most likely when the person receives appropriate treatment in the hospital and can last 15 to 60 days, and it is also possible that high blood pressure persists as chronic kidney failure.
Diagnosis of the disease caused by hantavirus is performed by laboratory analysis with the aim of identifying antibodies against the virus or the virus’s own genome, confirming the infection.
In addition, your doctor will be able to identify through medical history whether the person is exposed to the virus in a potentially contaminated environment or if the person is in contact with rodents.
The main form of hantavirus transmission occurs during breathing of viral particles present in rodent secretions and excretions, especially urine and needles. It is also possible to contract the disease through contact of the virus with mucous membranes, herds, rat bites, consuming contaminated water or food or manipulating contaminated rodents in the laboratory.
The people most likely to become infected with this virus are rural workers or reforestation areas, workers who clean pantry, sheds and producers who store food, and people who enjoy recreational activities in wild or rural areas.
The main vectors responsible for Hantavirus transmission are small mammals and rodents, such as rats, mice and rats, which can also be found in other types of animals, such as bats. Animals infected with Hantavirus suffer from a chronic and persistent infection that, although it does not cause serious changes in these animals, could cause serious diseases in humans.
Treatment of hantavirus disease is done in the hospital and, depending on the severity of the case, it may be necessary to intern a person in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), there is no specific treatment to treat this infection, however, it is faster to detect the disease with a higher chance of cure.
When the infection affects organisms such as the kidneys or lungs, dialysis or an artificial respirator may be required. We also recommend strict observation of vital signs and meticulous monitoring of signs and symptoms to determine if the disease is getting worse.
To prevent hantavirus, it is recommended to
Also, if it is advisable to always wash your hands and food before eating, as they may contain viral particles, see step by step how to wash your hands correctly in the following video: