New Delhi: When whole world is going fighting against the deadly Coronavirus another virus called Hantavirus has already emerged in China. A man in China’s Yunnan Province tested positive for Hantavirus and died shortly afterward on March 23, 2020.
Chinese state-run Global Times reported that a person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus Monday.
“He was tested positive for #hantavirus. Other 32 people on bus were tested,” it tweeted.
A person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus on Monday. He was tested positive for #hantavirus. Other 32 people on bus were tested. pic.twitter.com/SXzBpWmHvW
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 24, 2020
What is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus or Orthohantavirus is an old family of viruses, which mainly spreads through rodents or rats. It can cause various diseases including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It can also cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hantavirus Transmission
Hantavirus is transmitted when a person comes in direct contact with the droppings, urine, saliva or nesting of a rodent that has the virus. The virus enters the human body through eyes, nose or mouth.
Is Hantavirus airbone?
No, hantavirus is not airborne. It can only be spread if one comes in direct contact with the infected rodent or its feces. It is also not known to actually spread through a bite from the infected rat.
What are the symptoms of Hantavirus?
The hantavirus symptoms are similar to coronavirus as they include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, abdominal pains and chills. It can also lead to cough, respiratory issues with shortness of breath and can prove to be fatal.
How dangerous is Hantavirus?
Hantavirus can be fatal, especially if left untreated. The virus infection has a mortality rate of 38 percent as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can cause acute shock, low blood pressure, acute kidney failure and vascular leakage.