World Health Organization warns of deadly hantavirus that spread by rodents worldwide
By Zoila Palma: Hantaviruses, a group of rodent-borne viruses, continue to pose a serious public health concern globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These viruses are primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, or saliva. While infections are relatively uncommon, they can lead to severe illness and […] The post World Health Organization warns of deadly hantavirus that spread by rodents worldwide appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
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By Zoila Palma: Hantaviruses, a group of rodent-borne viruses, continue to pose a serious public health concern globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
These viruses are primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their urine, droppings, or saliva. While infections are relatively uncommon, they can lead to severe illness and even death, with outcomes varying depending on the strain of the virus and geographic region.
In the Americas, hantavirus infections can lead to Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a rapidly progressing disease that affects the lungs and heart and carries a fatality rate of up to 50%.
Meanwhile, in Europe and Asia, infections are more commonly associated with Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), which primarily impacts the kidneys and blood vessels. One strain, the Andes virus, has shown limited human-to-human transmission among close contacts, although such cases remain rare.
The WHO says that globally, an estimated 10,000 to over 100,000 hantavirus infections occur annually, with the highest burden reported in Asia and Europe. Countries such as China and the Republic of Korea report thousands of HFRS cases each year, while Europe records several thousand annually, particularly in northern and central regions. In contrast, the Americas report only a few hundred cases of HCPS each year, though the disease remains highly lethal, with fatality rates commonly ranging between 20% and 40%.
Symptoms of hantavirus infection typically appear one to eight weeks after exposure and often begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. In severe cases, HCPS can rapidly progress to breathing difficulties and fluid buildup in the lungs, while HFRS may lead to low blood pressure, bleeding disorders, and kidney failure. Early diagnosis can be challenging, as symptoms often resemble other illnesses such as influenza, dengue, or COVID-19, making patient history and laboratory testing critical.
There is currently no specific cure or vaccine for hantavirus infections, and treatment focuses on supportive care, including careful monitoring and management of complications affecting the respiratory, cardiac, and renal systems.
Health experts emphasize prevention as the most effective strategy, urging the public to reduce exposure to rodents by maintaining clean environments, sealing entry points in buildings, and practicing safe cleaning methods.
The post World Health Organization warns of deadly hantavirus that spread by rodents worldwide appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
