Hantavirus Infection
We never think about cleaning out our storeroom or the dusty corners of our house. It seems like another daily task. You might wear a mask to avoid getting dirty. Doctors who specialize in lungs say that the tiny dust particles can be very bad for you. They can even have Hantavirus, which is very rare. Pulmonologists warn that the Hantavirus Infection Can Turn a Simple Fever Into a Medical Emergency.
Hantavirus has been in the news again because a doctor is warning us about how rare it is. At first, the symptoms of Hantavirus seem like no big deal. You might have a fever, body aches, or feel tired. These symptoms can quickly get worse and affect your lungs.
Dr. Pradeep Bajad, a doctor specializing in lung and sleep medicine at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, says people are unaware of the risks posed by Hantavirus. It can cause lung problems in just a few hours. Most people think they have something like Dengue, Swine Flu, or COVID-19.
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus is a type of virus that comes from rodents like rats and mice. There are types of Hantavirus found all over the world. For example, in North and South America, hantavirus can cause problems with your heart and lungs. In Europe and some parts of Asia, it can cause kidney and blood vessel problems.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that Hantavirus can be very deadly. It is one of the dangerous viruses transmitted by rodents. Even though there are no cases in India, doctors think that people do not know enough about this disease, and it might get misdiagnosed.
How does Hantavirus Infection spread?
Hantavirus does not spread from person to person like the flu or COVID-19. It comes from rodents. The virus is in the urine, saliva, and feces of these rodents. When these substances dry up and mix with dust, people can get infected when they breathe it in. This is why Hantavirus is often linked to storerooms, old buildings, and warehouses.
Why do people often miss the symptoms of Hantavirus?
The symptoms of Hantavirus seem like those of other diseases at first. Some common symptoms are fever, body aches, tiredness, headache, and nausea. People often think they just have the flu or food poisoning and do not go to the doctor. This can be very serious because Hantavirus can worsen quickly.
After a days some people have serious breathing problems. Their oxygen levels. Fluid fills their lungs. This is called the phase. The virus begins to affect the lungs and blood vessels. Some people experience difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pain.
The immune system reacts to the virus. Causes damage to the blood vessels in the lungs. This leads to buildup in the lungs and can cause serious problems like respiratory failure. Some people need to go to the ICU a few hours after they start having trouble breathing.
Dr. Bajad says that some patients need ventilator support away from the hospital because their oxygen levels drop so quickly. What makes Hantavirus so dangerous is how quickly it can worsen. The damage it can cause to the lungs.
According to the literature, Hantavirus can cause complications such as capillary leak syndrome and inflammation. The patient’s immune system reacts to the virus. Causes the blood vessels to leak. This can happen quickly and make it hard for someone to breathe.
How do doctors diagnose Hantavirus?
It is hard to diagnose Hantavirus because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Doctors might suspect Hantavirus if someone has been cleaning a rodent-infested area, working on a farm or in a warehouse, or has problems after a fever.
Is there a treatment for Hantavirus Infection?
There is no treatment for Hantavirus. Doctors focus on supporting the patients’ breathing and managing their balance and blood pressure. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chance of survival.
Prevention is the way to protect yourself from Hantavirus infection. You can control the population in your home and workplace, seal food properly, and improve air circulation in enclosed areas. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning areas, and avoid sweeping up rat feces with a dry broom.
The important thing is to be aware of the risks of Hantavirus. The biggest danger is that people often think they just have a virus and do not go to the doctor. This can be fatal. What seems like a fever today can turn into serious respiratory problems tomorrow. This is what makes Hantavirus so scary.
