What is Hantavirus? Transmission, Symptoms, Risk Groups, Treatment and Prevention

Why in News?

• A suspected outbreak of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has caused panic. 
• So far, 3 deaths have been reported and several passengers are ill. 
• The WHO and South African health authorities have confirmed the cases. 
• One patient is in critical condition in the ICU, and the ship has been restricted near the Cape Verde coast to prevent further spread. 

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a rare but highly dangerous virus mainly transmitted from rodents (especially rats and mice) to humans.

It can cause two serious diseases :

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) – affects the lungs 
• Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) – affects the kidneys 

Both conditions can become life-threatening with a high mortality rate.

Transmission

Hantavirus spreads mainly through :

• Airborne transmission (aerosols) :
  Inhalation of virus particles from dried rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. 
• Direct contact :
  Touching infected rodents or their contaminated surroundings. 
• Rare cases :
  Rodent bites. 

 Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.

Symptoms

1. Early stage (within 1–8 weeks of exposure) :

• Fever and chills 
• Muscle pain 
• Severe fatigue 
• Headache 
• Nausea, vomiting, sometimes diarrhea 

2. Severe stage (HPS development) :

• Difficulty in breathing 
• Severe cough 
• Chest tightness 
• Fluid accumulation in lungs (pulmonary edema) 
• Respiratory and heart failure in critical cases 

High-Risk Groups

• Farmers and agricultural workers 
• Construction workers 
• People living or working in forest/camping areas 
• Individuals exposed to rodent-infested environments 
• Young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals 

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus. Management is mainly supportive :

• Oxygen therapy 
• ICU care in severe cases 
• Ventilator support if required 
• Fluid and electrolyte balance management 

Prevention

Prevention focuses on hygiene and rodent control :

• Keep homes and workplaces free from rodents 
• Store food in sealed containers 
• Seal cracks, holes, and entry points in buildings 
• Use masks and gloves while cleaning rodent-infested areas 
• Avoid dry sweeping; use wet cleaning methods to prevent aerosol spread