Hantavirus: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hantavirus is a serious infectious disease transmitted by Hantavirus, which is a virus that can be found in the feces, urine and saliva of some rodents, especially wild mice.

Most of the time, the infection happens by inhaling virus particles suspended in the air, leading to the appearance of symptoms about 2 weeks after contact with the virus. The main signs and symptoms of the infection are fever, vomiting, headache and pain in the body, in addition to the involvement of the lungs, heart or kidneys, which can be very serious.

Thus, if a hantavirus infection is suspected, it is important that the person goes to the hospital to make the diagnosis and start treatment, which is done through supportive measures, since there is no specific treatment. Thus, it is also recommended that strategies be adopted to prevent the disease, avoiding keeping debris that can shelter mice around the house, avoid dusting environments that were closed and that can shelter rodents and always keep food stored in a way that does not can be contaminated by rats.

Main symptoms

The first symptoms of hantavirus can appear between 5 to 60 days (on average 2 weeks) after infection, with fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. This initial condition is nonspecific and difficult to differentiate from other infections such as flu, dengue or leptospirosis.

After the appearance of the first symptoms, it is common for the function of some organs to be compromised, representing that the virus is spreading and the disease is already at a more advanced stage. Thus, it is possible that there is:

• Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (SCPH), in which respiratory symptoms arise, with coughing, sputum production with mucus and blood and shortness of breath, which can progress to respiratory failure due to fluid accumulation in the lungs, drop in blood pressure and collapse of blood circulation; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (FHSR), in which the disease can develop with impaired kidney function, with decreased urine production, called oliguria, accumulation of urea in the blood, bruises and petechiae in the body, risk of bleeding and failure the functioning of various organs.

Recovery is more likely when the person has an appropriate treatment in the hospital, and can last from 15 to 60 days, and it is also possible that sequelae such as chronic renal failure or arterial hypertension remain.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of hantavirus is made through laboratory tests to identify antibodies against the virus or the virus genome, confirming the infection. In addition, it is important to inform the doctor about life habits, whether or not there has been contact with rodents or whether you have been in a possibly contaminated environment.

Transmission mode

The main form of transmission of hantavirus is through the inhalation of virus particles that are eliminated in the environment through the urine and feces of infected rodents, and that can be suspended in the air with the dust.

Other possible ways are through the consumption of contaminated food, contact of the virus with injuries to the skin or mucous membranes or, more rarely, through the rat bite.

Thus, the people who are most at risk of infection are those who work in cleaning sheds and barns that can house rodents and in reforestation areas, people who frequent food stores or people who camp or hike in wild environments.

In Brazil, the regions most affected by hantavirus are the South, Southeast and Midwest, especially in regions linked to agriculture, although contamination can occur anywhere. check out more about the hantavirus characteristics and mode of transmission.

How the treatment is done

Treatment for hantavirus is to control the symptoms of the disease, and there is no specific drug to control the virus. Treatment is usually done in the hospital and, in the most severe cases, even in intensive care units (ICU).

During treatment, it is necessary to support the respiratory capacity, due to the development of cardiopulmonary syndrome, in addition to the control of renal function and other vital data, and it may be necessary, in some cases, to carry out hemodialysis or breathing by devices.

How to prevent hantavirus

To prevent hantavirus, it is recommended:

• Keep the surroundings of the house clean and free of vegetation and debris that can shelter rodents; Avoid sweeping or dusting places that may be rodent passage, preferring to wipe with a damp cloth; When entering places that have remained closed for a long time, try to open windows and doors to let air and light in; always leave food well stored and out of access to rodents; wash kitchen utensils that have been stored for a long time before using them.

In addition, it is always advisable to thoroughly clean your hands and food before eating, as they may contain virus particles.