Are you planning a trip to the USA this summer? A deadly rodent-borne disease with no known cure has claimed several lives across America, sparking a health alert.
Healthcare professionals at Universal Drug Store have shed light on the causes of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and issued a warning to travellers about the symptoms to watch out for.
What is hantavirus?
Hantaviruses are viruses carried by rodents that can cause varying degrees of illness in humans. Each hantavirus is specific to a different rodent host, reports Bristol Live.
Humans contract the virus by inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The Arizona Department of Health reports that from January to early July this year, seven cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have been confirmed in Arizona, three of which were fatal. There have also been two reported cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Canada.
How does hantavirus spread?
HPS can be contracted by inhaling, consuming, or coming into contact with rat and mouse faeces, urine or saliva. This could occur through handling the animal itself, or by touching something contaminated with its bodily fluids.
The incubation period typically lasts two to four days, but can range from two days to eight weeks.
What measures can be taken to prevent it?
Coming into contact with rodents carrying Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can be extremely dangerous. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling rats or their bedding and cages and steer clear of wild mice and rats, as well as any areas where they may leave droppings.
If you do find droppings in your living area, make sure to wear rubber gloves and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Avoid sweeping droppings with a broom, as this can cause infected particles to enter dust in the air.
Early symptoms of HPS mimic the flu, including a fever greater than 101F, chills, body aches, headaches, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and a dry cough. This can be followed by the rapid onset of breathing difficulty.
Dr Jamie Winn, PharmD at Universal Drugstore, said: “It can be challenging to diagnose HPS as early symptoms mimic the flu, and there are no tests to diagnose HPS. This is why a history of rodent exposure accompanied by fever and fatigue is a strong indicator of infection.
“If you have an unexplained fever, body aches, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headaches, dry cough or severe breathing difficulty, you should see your doctor immediately. This is especially important if you expect to spend time in southwestern US and are exposed to large rodent populations, their nesting materials and waste.”
What are the treatments for hantavirus?
While there are no specific treatments for HPS, early detection and treatment in the ICU can aid patient recovery. The primary care provided in the ICU includes intubation and oxygen therapy, fluid replacement, and medications to support blood pressure.
In some instances, antiviral drugs like ribavirin are used to treat other strains of hantavirus and related infections. Although large trials have not confirmed their effectiveness, doctors may resort to them in extremely severe cases.
Recovery tends to be slow, with patients frequently reporting weakness, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance.