What is Hantavirus?

The Centre for Disease Control says that the Hantavirus is spread mainly from rodents. Hantavirus may cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Disease.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a serious, sometimes fatal, respiratory-related disease in humans. Any person who comes into contact with rodents that carry hantavirus is at risk of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). Even a healthy person is at risk for HPS infection if exposed to the virus.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of Hantavirus are:

Early Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Fever and muscle aches
• Headache
• Cough
• Abdominal problems (Vomiting, Diarrhea, etc.)

Late Symptoms:

• Lungs fill with fluid
• Shortness of breath

Treatment of Hantavirus

There is not any specific treatment for illness caused by Hantavirus. However, you’ll do some things to alleviate your symptoms.

If you’re sick, you should:

• take pain and fever medications
• drink lots of liquids
• stay home and do rest

Preventions

• Avoid contact with rodents in your home and workplace.
• Seal up holes and gaps in your home or garage
• Place traps in your homes to decrease rodent infestation
• Clean up any easy-to-get food
• Try to keep your home, workplace clean

Which rodents can cause humans to get HPS?

It is not evident which rodent is responsible for Hantavirus and which is not and there is usually no way to tell when a rodent has the virus. So, it is wise to avoid contact with rodents.

Rodents known to carry Hantavirus include:

1. Deer Mouse
2. Cotton Rat
3. Rice Rat
4. White-footed Mouse

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Jugaadin.com does not claim responsibility for this information.