Hantavirus
Hantavirus is a serious viral infection primarily transmitted through contact with the urine and droppings of wild rodents, especially the deer mouse and cotton rat. Unlike many viruses, hantavirus is not spread between humans, making its transmission largely dependent on environmental exposure. There are two major forms of hantavirus infection: in South America, it can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, while in the United States, it manifests as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Early symptoms of HPS can resemble influenza, featuring fever, muscle aches, and a dry cough, but can escalate to severe respiratory distress and potentially death. Diagnosis typically involves physical examinations and laboratory tests, with treatment focused on symptom management, often requiring intensive care. The mortality rate for HPS can be alarmingly high, ranging from 50 to 80 percent. Public health initiatives stress the importance of prevention, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts, who should take precautions against rodent exposure. Despite the challenges in understanding and treating this infection, ongoing research aims to improve outcomes and public awareness.
Hantavirus
Anatomy or system affected: Kidneys, lungs, respiratory system
Definition: An often-fatal viral infection carried by rodents that causes influenza-like symptoms and respiratory failure
Causes: Viral infection spread through contact with urine and droppings of wild rodents
Symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, malaise, dry cough, shortness of breath, kidney failure, hemorrhaging, shock
Duration: Acute
Treatments: None; alleviation of symptoms
Causes and Symptoms
Hantavirus, which is distantly related to Ebola virus, is transmitted through contact with the urine and droppings of wild rodents, such as the deer mouse and cotton rat. Contact usually involves the inhalation of contaminated particles in dust. Hantavirus is not transmissible between humans.
Infection takes two major forms. In South America, one strain causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, involving kidney failure, hemorrhaging, and shock. In the United States, another strain results in hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Early symptoms mimic influenza; they include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, malaise, and a dry cough. After initial improvement, increasing shortness of breath follows and may progress to pulmonaryedema, internal bleeding, respiratory failure, and death.
Treatment and Therapy
Diagnosis of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome involves physical examination for hypoxia, hypotension, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Laboratory tests show an elevated white blood cell count and a decreasing platelet count, and chest X-rays may reveal edema. The presence of hantavirus is confirmed through serological testing.
There is no cure for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome; treatment is focused on alleviating the symptoms. This condition must be treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital, as careful monitoring of respiratory function and blood gases is essential. In severe cases, the use of an endotracheal tube and a ventilator becomes necessary. Experiments have been performed with intravenous ribavirin therapy; the efficacy of this treatment is being evaluated. Unfortunately, even with aggressive measures, the death rate ranges from 50 to 80 percent.
Perspective and Prospects
The incidence of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome seemed to rise sharply in the 1990s. Epidemiologists were uncertain whether the number of cases increased or more cases were reported following identification of the virus in the United States in 1993.
Because much remains to be learned about the transmission, development, and treatment of hantavirus infection, public health efforts have been in education and prevention. Hikers and campers are thought to be at a greater risk; they are urged to avoid exposure to rodent droppings and questionable water sources. People entering cabins, sheds, or other buildings that have not been used recently should air out the building first and disinfect all surfaces.
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