What is Hantavirus? The deadly virus that took lives in the U.S. including Gene Heckman’s wife.

A dangerous but catchy virus has been making headlines lately. This serious and fatal virus is called Hantavirus, which is a rodent-transmitted disease, and till now it has killed three individuals in California, including actor Gene Hackman‘s wife.  According to public health officials, it is being said that this restraint is caused by exposure cases from deer mice and other rodents that continue to arise.

Hantavirus is transmitted mainly by contact with rodent urine, feces, or saliva. Although uncommon, it can cause two serious diseases in humans—Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). HPS is more prevalent in the U.S., and HFRS, while generally occurring in Europe and Asia, has worldwide significance because of the Seoul virus strain.

How Does It Spread?

Individuals acquire the virus through inhaling particle-contaminated rodent excreta. Though direct bites are infrequent, they are also infective. Rodent activity indoors, particularly in forest or rural locations, elevates exposure risks.

Early Signs to Observe:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle pains (particularly thighs, hips, back)
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Abdominal and nausea pains

HFRS Symptoms:

• Extreme headaches
• Stomach and back pains
• Chills and fever
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Skin flushing or rash
•Symptoms in exceptional instances can occur as late as 8 weeks after exposure

Severe or Delayed Stage Symptoms Can Include

  • Low blood pressure
  • Shock from insufficient circulation
  • Intravenous bleeding
  • Acute kidney failure and fluid overload

Health Officials Urge Prevention

As rodent activity increases, particularly in regions such as Mammoth and the Eastern Sierra, professionals emphasise the need for indoor mouse population control. Sealing houses, removing food trash, and refusing to dig up rodent nests or feces without protective gear.

The seriousness and life-threatening association with Hantavirus highlights the severity of this illness. It also highlights the paramount importance of vigilance, hygiene, and preventive measures to ensure the prevention of this silent killer. 

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