By Admin 
Early Symptoms Of Hantavirus Infection: At present, the issue of Hantavirus is in the news all over the world. Eight cases have been reported so far and three people have died. This is an infection about which people do not talk much until someone falls victim to it. This infection is definitely rare, but is considered very dangerous. The most worrying thing is that its onset is exactly like a normal viral disease, so people often take it lightly. But within a few days it can cause serious damage to the lungs.
Can its symptoms be similar to dengue, swine flu or Covid?
Dr Pradeep Bajad, senior consultant pulmonologist and sleep medicine expert, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, told TOI that when fever and body aches start, most people think of dengue, swine flu or Covid. Hantavirus is a rare but deadly infection, which can damage the lungs within a few days and very few people know about it.
Is it spread by coughing, sneezing or shaking hands?
This virus does not spread from one person to another in the normal way. This means that someone’s cough, sneeze or handshake does not cause infection. However, the thing to be noted here is that a variety of it ‘Andes virus’ can spread from human to human, but this happens very rarely. This is the reason why people are not able to understand its danger easily. Dr. Pradeep Bajad explains that this infection is mainly spread by infected rodents like rats and mice. The virus is present in their urine, saliva and stool. When people clean rooms, warehouses, fields or store rooms that have been closed for a long time, then these infection particles spread in the air along with dust and reach the body through breath.
What are the initial symptoms of this virus?
The initial symptoms are so common that anyone would think that this is a normal disease caused by change in weather. The patient may have problems like fever, fatigue, headache, body ache, chills, vomiting, nausea or stomach upset. Many people consider it to be flu or food poisoning and keep resting at home. In the beginning the condition does not seem very serious, hence the danger of the disease is not understood.
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When does the real game begin?
But the real danger begins after this. Within a short time, the patient starts having problems like difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, dry cough, rapid heartbeat and low oxygen level in the body. Water starts filling inside the lungs, making breathing difficult. The condition of many patients deteriorates so rapidly that they may need ICU and ventilator within a few hours.
What is considered the most serious form of this virus?
The most serious form of Hantavirus is called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome i.e. HPS. Research published in journals like The Lancet and Clinical Microbiology Reviews suggests that this infection can cause severe inflammation in the lungs and blood vessels. According to the American organization CDC, in severe cases its mortality rate can be 35 to 40 percent.
What is the safest way to prevent this?
Doctors say that prevention from this infection is the best solution. Controlling the number of rats in the house or warehouse, cleaning their excreta and urine safely, making arrangements for ventilation in closed rooms and wearing masks and gloves during cleaning can reduce the risk of infection to a great extent.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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