Hanta Virus

A person died of Hanta Virus infection in China even while the world is struggling to find a cure for the SARS CoV 2.

About the Virus

They are a family of viruses transmitted through rodents. It is known as ‘New World Hanta Viruses’ in the American region while it’s called ‘Old World Hanta Viruses’ in the Asian and the European region. The New World Hanta Virus causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) while the Old World Hanta Virus causes haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Hanta Virus infection includes fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, chills and abdominal problems. The symptoms may start presenting within the first to eight week after exposure to the virus. Coughing and shortness of breath have also been reported as symptoms of its infection.

Transmission

The virus is mainly transmitted through rodents like cotton rats and white footed mice. Infection can occur due to contact with the rodent’s saliva, faeces or urine. People who live in proximity to farms, fields and forests are at risk of infection.