Hantavirus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention – Deadly Rodent-Borne Virus
Hantavirus is a rare but severe virus spread by rodents. How is hantavirus transmitted? Through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings. Is hantavirus deadly? Yes, the pulmonary form kills 30–50% of infected people.
⚠️ No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine exists. Early hospitalization saves lives.
🚨 Hantavirus Symptoms
Early signs: fever, muscle pain (thighs, back), headache. After 4–10 days: dry cough and severe shortness of breath – hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Seek immediate help if you have rodent exposure and breathing trouble.
💊 Treatment & Prevention
Treatment is supportive (oxygen, ventilation). Prevention: seal rodent entry points, wet-clean with bleach, avoid sweeping dry.
Is hantavirus contagious person-to-person?
Almost never, except the Andes strain in South America.
Can you recover from hantavirus?
Yes with intensive care, but mortality remains high if untreated.
✍️ By Sakina El Madani – Health Journalist
