Hantavirus Outbreak: Experts Warn of Deadly Rodent-Borne Virus After Cruise Ship Deaths

Kathmandu. Even before fully recovering from the era of global pandemics, discussions about another virus, Hantavirus, have begun. 

News of 3 deaths due to this virus on a cruise ship in the Indian Ocean has alerted health experts. 

This virus is spread by rodents and has a very high mortality rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s recent 'Disease Outbreak News' and experts, this infection had spread on the cruise ship 'MV Honidas' traveling from Argentina to South Africa, and 3 passengers lost their lives on it. 

So, let's learn what this virus is, how dangerous it is, and what are the ways to prevent it.

Hantavirus is primarily a family of viruses spread through rodents. It is not a new virus, but its deadliness makes it frightening. 

It directly attacks the lungs or kidneys of humans. When the lungs are infected, breathing becomes almost impossible, and the patient may even die.

How does it spread from rodents to humans?

This virus spreads through the air, a process called 'aerosolization'. When infected rodents' droppings, urine, or saliva dry up and mix with dust particles, they become airborne. 

When a person breathes this air, the virus directly enters their lungs. Additionally, it can spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth or nose.

The good news is that Hantavirus is generally not transmitted from person to person. It occurs only through direct contact with rodents or by living in their contaminated environment. 

However, some rare cases of human-to-human transmission have been observed with the 'Andes' strain found in South America, but the current cases are related to rodents.

What are the initial symptoms of Hantavirus?

Its symptoms initially resemble a common flu and can cause confusion in people:

• High fever and chills.

• Severe muscle pain in the arms, legs, and back.

• Headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

• Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

4 to 10 days after infection, symptoms of 'Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome' (HPS) appear:

• Fluid accumulation in the lungs.

• Severe difficulty breathing (feeling like someone is sitting on your chest).

• Coughing and low blood pressure.

• Kidney failure. 

What is its mortality rate?

Hantavirus is considered very deadly. According to the CDC, the mortality rate for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is between 38% and 40%. This means that if 10 people become severely ill from it, there is a 40% chance of death.

Currently, there is no specific treatment, medicine, or vaccine for Hantavirus. Treatment relies entirely on 'supportive care'. Patients are kept on oxygen support, ventilators, or 'ECMO' machines in the hospital, which helps their lungs function. The sooner medical help is received, the higher the chance of survival.

How to protect yourself?

Prevention is the only cure. Seal holes in walls or doors of your house to prevent rodents from entering. 

Keep kitchens and food covered or in airtight containers. If you are cleaning an old room or a junkyard, be sure to wear a mask and gloves. Instead of sweeping rodent droppings, spray them with bleach or disinfectant, and do this in a way that prevents dust from rising.

How effective are masks and sanitizers?

The outer layer of Hantavirus is very fragile. It can be easily destroyed by soap, detergent, or alcohol-based sanitizers. Wearing a mask prevents airborne infected dust particles from reaching the lungs.

• When to contact a doctor?

If you have visited a place with rodents and within a few days you experience fever, body aches, and difficulty breathing, go to the doctor without delay and be sure to inform them about your contact with rodents.

One piece of good news is that pets like dogs, cats, or cattle do not get infected with Hantavirus and spread it to humans. This virus is found only in specific species of wild rodents (like deer mice or rice rats). 

However, cats or dogs can bring infected rodents indoors while hunting, which increases the risk of household members coming into contact with it. Therefore, pay attention to the cleanliness of your pets as well.

• Can Hantavirus be like 'food poisoning'?

The initial symptoms of Hantavirus, such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, often cause confusion with 'food poisoning' in people. 

However, the difference is that food poisoning usually resolves within a few hours or 1-2 days, whereas in Hantavirus, along with stomach problems, high fever persists, and after a few days, severe breathing problems begin. If you experience shortness of breath along with an upset stomach, do not make the mistake of considering it simple food poisoning.

Remember, Hantavirus is certainly a dangerous disease, but it does not spread globally all at once like Corona. It poses a threat only in areas with poor sanitation and a high rodent population. Correct information and a little caution can keep us completely safe from this deadly virus.

(Disclaimer: The information and data provided in this article are based on general assumptions. Please contact a relevant expert before implementing these measures.)