Context: Recently, the tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa drew attention to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Hantavirus
About Hantavirus
- Hantavirus is a family of rodent-borne viruses that can cause severe illnesses and even death in humans.
- Transmission:
- Spread through urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents.
- Do not spread from person-to-person.
Types of Hantavirus Diseases:
The two major types:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS):
- Region: Western Hemisphere (mainly North and South America).
- Primary host: Deer mouse.
- Symptoms: Severe respiratory illness and fluid accumulation in the lungs.
- Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS):
- Region: Found primarily in Europe and Asia.
- Symptoms: Bleeding disorders and kidney-related complications.
- Rodent host: Varies by region.
Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS):
- Early Symptoms (1-8 weeks after exposure): Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches.
- Progressive Symptoms: Respiratory distress caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs.
- Mortality Risk: About 38% of individuals with severe respiratory symptoms may succumb to the disease.
Treatment and Management:
- Currently no specific treatment, cure, or vaccine for HPS.
- Some antiviral medications may help manage symptoms.
- Supportive Care: Early-detection and hospitalisation; respiratory support like breathing tubes or ventilators.