Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

 Hantavirus: Why is a dangerous infection with a mortality rate of up to 50 percent in the news now?

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, in the case of the Andean species of hantavirus found in South America, a few cases of human-to-human transmission have been recorded.

Hantavirus is a very deadly ‘zoonotic’ virus that can become a global health challenge at any time. This virus, which is mainly transmitted to humans from rodents, causes serious damage to the lungs and heart if infected. After its sudden outbreak on a cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean, it has become a topic of renewed discussion and concern among health experts and the general public around the world.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses belonging to the ‘Bunyaviridae’ family. It is named after the ‘Hantan’ river in South Korea, where it was first identified in 1978.

So far, scientists have discovered more than 20 species of it in different parts of the world, which affect human health in different ways.

Based on their effects and geographical presence, hantaviruses are mainly classified into two categories. The New World hantavirus species, found mainly in the American continent, causes ‘Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome’ (HPS) or ‘Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome’ (HCPS). This causes serious damage to the human respiratory system and heart function.

Similarly, the Old World hantavirus species, which is more active in Europe, Asia and Africa, causes ‘Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome’ (HFRS). This type of infection has a risk of direct and fatal effects on the human kidneys.

Recent Outbreak: Hantavirus Scare on Cruise Ships

The main reason why Hantavirus has recently become the focus of international media attention is the sudden outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship operating in the Atlantic Ocean. The ship, operated by the Dutch Oceanwide Expeditions company, departed Argentina on April 1. The health crisis on the ship, which is on a tour of remote islands such as Antarctica, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha, has caught the attention of the world.

According to the latest report from the World Health Organization, seven of the 147 passengers and crew members on board the ship have been confirmed or suspected to be infected with Hantavirus. Three of the infected have died, while one is still receiving treatment in a serious condition. The other three have shown mild symptoms.

The deceased include a German citizen and a Dutch couple. According to the information received, the husband of the Dutch couple died on the ship on April 11, while the wife died in a hospital in South Africa on April 26. This tragic incident has sparked a new debate about the risk of the virus in closed environments such as cruise ships.

Source of infection and transmission

The main source of infection with Hantavirus is rodents. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the urine, feces or saliva of rats. When a person breathes in an area contaminated with rat feces, tiny particles of the virus mixed in the air directly enter the respiratory system. This is the most common and major route of infection. In addition, the virus can also enter the body when a rat bites, eats food contaminated with the virus, or touches a contaminated surface and then touches the eyes, nose or mouth with the same hand.

Hantavirus is not usually transmitted from one person to another. However, limited human-to-human transmission of the Andean hantavirus, a strain found in South America, has been recorded. According to the World Health Organization, such transmission is likely to occur through very close and prolonged physical contact.

The current outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship is also suspected to have involved human-to-human transmission. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s director of pandemic preparedness and response, said that the possibility of human-to-human transmission cannot be completely ruled out, as some of the infected people appeared to have had very close contact. However, she urged people not to be overly concerned, saying that the virus is not as easily airborne as flu or COVID-19 and that the risk to the general public is not currently high.

Treatment and prevention

There is no specific drug or specific vaccine developed to protect against hantavirus infection. Therefore, supportive care in hospitals remains the only option to save infected people. If the patient's condition is serious, they are placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and oxygen therapy and ventilators are used to facilitate the respiratory process.

Since this virus is transmitted by rodents, the best way to avoid it is to avoid contact with rats. Proper arrangements should be made to prevent rats from entering your home, workplace or storage rooms.

Special care should be taken when cleaning areas that may have rat droppings. To prevent dust from flying in such areas, instead of sweeping the floor, only damp cleaning should be done using a disinfectant solution or bleach. The mandatory use of masks and gloves during such cleaning can prevent virus particles from entering the body.

In addition, Squirrels should always be kept in a secure container out of the reach of rodents. People who live or work outdoors or near forests need to pay extra attention to the cleanliness of their surroundings. In unusual circumstances, it is wise to maintain personal hygiene and social distancing, while fully following the instructions of health authorities. Since there is no cure for Hantavirus, awareness and caution are the strongest weapons in the fight against this deadly infection.

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Common symptoms of kidney infection

Kidney problems are increasing day by day. Especially bad habits and eating habits have caused many kidney problems.

Eating disorders affect the functioning of the kidneys and prevent the release of toxins. In this way, our body also gives some clear signals that we have an infection in our kidneys.

Frequent urination

If you have to urinate frequently even if you do not drink a lot of fluids, it is a clear sign of a kidney infection. This may be due to bacteria interfering with the kidneys. You feel the urge to urinate constantly.

Back pain

Swelling of the kidneys and infection can cause back pain. If you suddenly feel pain in your back, don't pretend to notice it. Prolonged back pain is a sign of a serious kidney infection.

Blood in the urine

If there is blood in the urine, it may be a sign of a kidney infection. Bleeding in the urine may be less but do not ignore it. It can also cause kidney swelling.

Pain when urinating

Burning and pain when urinating can also be a sign of a kidney infection. People often ignore this but you should see a doctor immediately. It can also cause swelling of the kidneys and bladder.

Odor during urination

Under normal circumstances, urine does not have an unusual odor. If you suddenly feel a foul odor from urine, don't pretend you haven't seen it. This can be caused by a kidney infection. If this is the case, you should see a doctor immediately.

8 ways to protect yourself from covid infection in cold

The cold weather has already begun. The coronavirus, which is believed to be more active in cold weather, has affected the lives of ordinary Nepalis at this time. There is a situation where one cannot walk freely.

Corona infection can also be transmitted to a friend who lives in your own home or works in an office. That is a state of anxiety for both. But in this case, what can we do to avoid infection from a friend?

1. Check

If someone in your home has been confirmed to have a corona infection, it is best to get tested for corona immediately. The medical director of Los Angeles, Dr. Scott Branstein says: "Even though we have a negative test report, we still have to look at ourselves as potentially infected, rather than thinking we're safe." If someone tells you not to take the test until you see the symptoms, you have to stay in quarantine for 14 days. If he shows no symptoms for two weeks, he may feel safe until then.

2. Restrict contact

Officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the only way to avoid the epidemic is to limit contact.

A person who is infected with corona should be kept as separate as possible from others. If possible, separate bedrooms and toilets can be provided for corona infections.

Even when staying at home, you should keep a distance of 3 feet with your family members. According to experts, reducing contact means that even if you come close to the infected person in some way, there will be no severe infection.

You can also take full care of a person infected with corona but enter their location as needed. For example, bringing food to the infected person from a distance, not staying in the same room with the infected person for a long time, only going to the infected person's room using safety equipment, etc.

3. Do not obstruct airflow

Always keep the windows and doors of your living room open. This means that a possible corona infection brought by someone in a room should not be transmitted to other people in the same room.

4. Wear a mask

The mask is essential for both infected and non-infected parties. The World Health Organization has mentioned the criteria of the mask and the way it is worn. Doctors say that even if you wear a disciplined mask according to the criteria, you can avoid coronavirus infection to a great extent. ‘All members of the household, especially the infected person, should be encouraged to wear mandatory masks. The mask helps prevent infections that can come from an infected person's nose and mouth.

However, wearing a mask does not guarantee 100 percent protection against the contraction of the coronavirus. But to a large extent, it helps prevent corona. Doctors have also mentioned the quality of the mask. Cloth masks are also said to be suitable if the quality is met. But no matter what the mask is, it is mandatory to cover the nose and mouth completely. Also, you should wear glasses for safety.

5. Wash hands, kill germs

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is also a way to prevent the coronavirus. Especially patients have to wash their hands. Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol where soapy water is not readily available.

6. Eat healthy food

It has been found that many people in Nepal drink gurja water during the coronavirus epidemic. But not only that, eating healthy and nutritious food is essential for health.

However, the most important thing is to eat a healthy diet and lose weight, not to feel comfortable in times of stress and uncertainty. With the right lifestyle, we can defeat the coronavirus. Healthy eating helps prevent serious illness.

7. Rely on reliable sources

Friends, family, and social media can be a source of information. But what is the way to avoid the corona epidemic by following the official information? How to deal with people who are corona positive, what to eat after being positive, and what not to eat? An official source of information should be sought for information on such matters.

A lot of misinformation can come on social media and the internet. Such information can be dangerous.

8. Consult and consult with a friend

Friends find it easier to express their feelings during difficult times. Work with such friends to get advice and suggestions.