From the Guidelines
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal viral infection transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, or saliva, with the most serious form, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), causing severe respiratory problems. The primary mode of transmission is through the inhalation of infectious, aerosolized saliva or excreta, as well as through direct contact with contaminated materials or bites from infected rodents 1. To prevent infection, it is essential to avoid contact with rodents, seal entry points in homes, and clean rodent-infested areas using wet methods with disinfectants, as outlined in the guidelines for risk reduction 1.
Key Prevention Strategies
- Avoid contact with rodents and their excreta
- Seal all entry points in homes to prevent rodent infestation
- Clean rodent-infested areas using wet methods with disinfectants
- Maintain good hygiene, including frequent handwashing
Symptoms and Treatment
If exposure occurs, it is crucial to monitor for flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and coughing, which typically appear 1-8 weeks after exposure. Medical attention should be sought immediately if symptoms develop after potential exposure, as early hospitalization with supportive care, including oxygen therapy and fluid management, improves outcomes 1. Prevention and early medical intervention are critical in reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with Hantavirus infection.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Hantavirus
- Hantaviruses are enveloped single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses that belong to the family Bunyaviridae 2
- They are widely distributed and maintained in populations of specific insectivores or rodent host species (mice or rats) 2
- Hantaviruses develop persistent and asymptomatic infections with lifelong virus shedding in excreta in their natural host 2
Transmission and Clinical Presentations
- Transmission to humans occurs via direct contact with faeces, urine and saliva of infected rodents, in particular by inhaling virus contaminated aerosol 2
- Hantaviruses cause acute febrile diseases in humans, known as haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) 2, 3
- HFRS and HPS have a worldwide distribution with a high mortality rate, and there are two main clinical presentations of Hantavirus infection 3
Epidemiology and Prevention
- Hantaviruses infect approximately more than 200,000 people annually all around the world, with a mortality rate of about 35%-40% 4
- Rodent control and public health education and promotion play a major role in preventing Hantavirus infection 3
- Anti-infectious measures are regarded to be the most effective strategy to prevent illnesses due to these emerging RNA viruses 2
Treatment and Therapeutic Approaches
- Treatment of hantavirus infections is mainly supportive and involves intensive medical care 2
- A specific antiviral therapy with ribavirin has been shown to be successful for treatment of HFRS patients in the early stage of disease 2
- There are multiple vaccine candidates with evidence of conferring long protective immunity against Hantaviruses, but no FDA approved drug or vaccine is available 3, 4, 5