The recent passing of Betsy Hackman, wife of renowned American actor Gene Hackman, has drawn attention to deadly Hantavirus.
Cause– It is a family of viruses carried by certain rodents, such as deer mice, white-footed mice, rice rats, and cotton rats.
Transmission- Humans typically contract Hantavirus through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, and saliva.
The most common way the virus spreads is through aerosolisation, when fresh rodent waste is disturbed, the virus particles become airborne and can be inhaled.
This often happens during activities like sweeping infested areas, cleaning long-closed spaces such as sheds, or handling contaminated materials.
Additionally, Hantavirus can enter the body if a person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth after handling contaminated materials or if the virus enters an open wound.
Though extremely rare, the virus can also spread through rodent bites.
They do not typically transmit from person to person, although rare cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported with certain strains, such as the Andes virus.
Strains -Several strains exhibiting varying degrees of severity.
Stages - Prodromal phase -Appears one to eight weeks after exposure.
It begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches (often in the thighs, hips, and back), fatigue, headaches, and abdominal pain. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.
Second Phase -Signals the onset of HPS, brings more severe symptoms.
These include a sudden shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness as the lungs fill with fluid.
This stage can escalate quickly, causing acute respiratory distress and, in some cases, heart failure. Without prompt medical intervention, the condition can be fatal.
High risk groups -People who live or work in areas where rodent populations are more prominent. This includes farmers, construction workers, and those involved in cleaning old or unused spaces.
It also includes children under 5, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Prevention –It remains the most effective way to combat hantavirus.
Keeping homes and workplaces rodent-free by sealing entry points,
Safely disposing of food and garbage, and
Wearing protective gear when cleaning areas with rodent activity can significantly reduce the risk.
Treatment -Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or cure for Hantavirus.
Patients are often given oxygen therapy to ease breathing difficulties. Severe cases may require intensive care, including mechanical ventilation to assist lung function.
