HANTA VIRUS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

 HANTA VIRUS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

News: A health alert has been issued in Arizona, USA, following the death of four people due to a rodent-borne hantavirus. The virus spreads to humans through droplets from the urine, saliva, or feces of rats.

 

What’s in the news?

Hantavirus Overview

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses primarily carried by rodents. They cause serious illnesses in humans, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). The severity and symptoms of the disease vary depending on the specific hantavirus and the geographic region.

 

Transmission

Hantaviruses are typically transmitted to humans through the inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent excreta, such as urine, feces, or saliva. Direct contact with infected rodents or their bodily fluids can also pose a risk. In rare cases, especially with the Andes virus in South America, human-to-human transmission has been documented.

 

Geographic Distribution

  • Old World Hantaviruses: Common in Europe and Asia, causing HFRS. Key viruses include Hantaan virus (HTNV), Seoul virus (SEOV), Puumala virus (PUUV), and Dobrava virus (DOBV).
  • New World Hantaviruses: Predominantly found in the Americas, causing HPS. Notable viruses include Sin Nombre virus (SNV) and Andes virus (ANDV).

Hantaviruses have been identified globally, though underreporting and underdiagnosis may occur, particularly in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.

Clinical Syndromes

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): Initially presents with flu-like symptoms, followed by rapid onset of severe respiratory distress due to fluid buildup in the lungs. Mortality can be high without prompt medical intervention.
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): Presents with fever, hemorrhage, and renal dysfunction. The severity ranges from mild to severe, depending on the viral strain.

 

Prevention and Control

There is no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections. Supportive care in a medical facility is critical, particularly for severe cases. Prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to rodent populations and their habitats. Key preventive measures include:

  • Sealing up holes in homes to prevent rodent entry.
  • Maintaining proper sanitation to avoid attracting rodents.
  • Using protective equipment when handling rodent droppings or contaminated areas.

 

MCQ

Consider the following statements regarding Hantavirus:

1. Hantavirus infections in humans can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

2. The primary mode of transmission of Hantavirus to humans is through direct contact with infected rodents or their urine and droppings.

3. There is a specific antiviral treatment available for Hantavirus infections, which significantly reduces mortality rates.

 

Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/hantavirus-kills-four-in-us-know-all-about-this-rat-borne-incurable-disease-should-india-be-worried/amp_articleshow/112030569.cms