Introduction
Hantavirus infection is a rare condition. It affects both the lungs and heart. Hence, this infection is also known as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. The mortality rate of hantavirus infection is relatively higher than other virus infections. This viral infection cannot spread from one individual to another. Hence, it is not contagious. Rodents act as a carrier of hantavirus infection. There are several types of rodents. The spread of hantavirus occurs from mammals like rats and mice to humans. Hantavirus infection is an airborne infection.
What Are the Causes of Hantavirus Infection?
Hantavirus infection is most commonly present in the Northern and Southern parts of America.
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The deer mouse present in Central America acts as a common carrier. It causes kidney-related disorders through saliva or droppings.
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People who reside in areas containing rice rats are infected with hantavirus infection because it contaminates the food with saliva and urine.
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White-tailed mice spread the infection to a human through the air from their excreta and fluids. The infection also spreads if the mice bites or scratch the individual. These viruses circulate in the blood and reach the heart and lungs and cause dysfunction.
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Cotton rat is the common cause of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. The disease becomes severe during spring and summer. If the individual touches the things contaminated by rodents and touches the nose, mouth, and eyes without washing the hands, it results in infection.
What Are the Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection?
The hantavirus infection progresses rapidly and causes life-threatening conditions. The symptoms of hantavirus infection are similar to the symptoms of normal flu. They are as follows;
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Fever - The hantavirus affects the immune system and increases the body temperature. High fever results in headaches.
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Chills - The hantavirus infection causes chills during the night with trouble breathing.
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Muscle Pain - The hantavirus affects the muscle and causes pain, especially in the lower abdomen.
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Vomiting - The hantavirus infection causes indigestion and vomiting.
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Cough - The hantavirus infects the upper respiratory tract and causes cough with mucus production.
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Respiratory Illness - If the hantavirus infection spreads to the lobes of the lungs, it causes fluid accumulation. This interferes with lung function and causes shortness of breath.
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Low Blood Pressure - The body becomes severely dehydrated due to a hantavirus infection, which results in low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat.
What Are the Risk Factors for Hantavirus Infection?
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The farmers who store grains in closed sheds for a longer period increase the proliferation of rice rats. The workers involved in pest control are exposed to the hantavirus infection.
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The rodent nests are present in buildings that are locked and left unused for a long time. Workers involved in cleaning the cabins are at higher risk of exposure to hantavirus infection.
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There is a high chance of hantavirus infection spread through seasonal cabins.
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The mice might enter the unprotected shelters made by the people during the camp or hiking and spread the infection.
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The basements present in the construction sites are piled up with unused materials. It increases the risk of rat multiplication.
How to Prevent Hantavirus Infection?
The individual should take necessary precautions at home and the workplace to prevent hantavirus infection.
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Cover the Holes - The rodents can enter the holes that are small as six millimeters. These holes should be sealed with mesh wires or cement. The gap left in the wraps during camp should be blocked with metal flashing.
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Clean the Storage - The workers should maintain hygiene in the food storage cabinets by frequent cleaning methods. The utensils must be cleaned after every use to prevent infection from spreading through food.
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Airtight Containers - The food grains must be stored in airtight containers to prevent rodents. The garbage must be stored in cans with closed lids.
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Prevent Nesting - The materials such as garden waste, grass, and brushes must be cleared to prevent nesting.
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Traps - Use traps with springs to capture the rodents. Extreme caution should be taken while using poison baits. The individual should wash their hands after using these traps.
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Stay Away - The compost bins and woodpiles should be kept away from the living area to prevent hantavirus infection.
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Ventilation - The unused cabins should have proper ventilation and must be opened frequently to avoid droppings, smell, and infection spread.
How Is Hantavirus Infection Diagnosed?
The hantavirus infection usually causes illness after two to three weeks of exposure to the hantavirus.
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Blood Test - It is usually diagnosed using a blood test. The sample is collected from the individuals exposed to rodents. These blood samples are sent to the lab for microscopic examination. The presence of antibodies against the hantavirus in the blood sample indicates the hantavirus infection.
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Culture Test - The mucus is collected from the patients suspected of hantavirus infection. It is examined using a culture test. The proliferation and growth of the hantavirus can be detected using the culture medium.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Hantavirus Infection?
The treatments for hantavirus infection are as follows;
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Oxygenation - Severe infection might contaminate the blood and reduce the oxygen supply. In such conditions, the patient has ensured oxygen supply. The carbon dioxide is removed, and oxygen is supplied through blood.
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Ventilatory Support - Some patients who have trouble breathing due to a hantavirus infection require artificial ventilation for respiration. The flexible tube is inserted through the windpipe to open the airways and proper functioning of the same.
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Medication - There is no specific medication for a hantavirus infection. The fever due to the hantavirus is treated with antibiotics. However, antimalarial drugs like Chloroquine are used in the earlier stage of hantavirus infection to prevent further spread.
Conclusion -
The workers involved in cleaning the droppings should follow certain measures like wearing gloves and masks. The gloves made up of thick rubber or plastic prevent hantavirus infection to a greater extent. These gloves must be washed with disinfectants after every use. Individuals have the option to purchase disinfectant spray to prevent the spread of hantavirus. The mice that are found dead should be collected after using a bleach solution or alcohol disinfectant. spray the household disinfectant over the droppings or nest and wait for five to ten minutes. Use thick disposable napkins to collect this waste and dispose of them in the garbage. Mop the area with an antiseptic soap solution to prevent hantavirus infection. The individual should consult a medical professional if he is exposed to rodents. The employer must conduct medical camps once in three months for the employees who work on construction sites. This helps to notice the infection at an earlier stage and reduces the mortality rate.
