Dorothy FarrarHantavirus infection
The hantavirus infection is native worldwide. Most infections are reported in northern Europe. In Central Europe, however, the number of unreported cases of the disease, which has been notifiable since 2001, is very high because the mild course and symptoms easily lead to confusion.
What is a hantavirus infection?
Hantavirus infection is a disease transmitted by one of the currently 22 known viruses of this family. In Central Europe, these are mainly the Puumala and Dobrava viruses, which are transmitted by rubella and smut mice as well as brown rats. The host does not fall ill, but is merely a carrier.
Without a host, hantavirus is not viable, which also makes research into treatment options very costly. In South America, the bat is also known as a vector. The fact that individual virus types spread to other regions is practically non-existent. However, the viruses mutate and form new strains.
Causes
The risk of contracting hantavirus infection in Europe is not very high, but increases in the early summer months. The reason lies in the frequent cleaning actions of little-used parts of the building when it gets warmer and the relatively long period of time until the outbreak of the disease. Rodents are carriers of the hantaviruses known in Central Europe.
The viruses circulate through feces, urine and saliva and are viable for several days. Infection most often occurs via dust whirled up. Transmission of hantavirus via bites or direct contact is rather rare. There is also an increased risk for agricultural and forestry workers. In addition, mild winters also contribute to rapid reproduction of rodents, which in turn leads to increased numbers of infections. In South America, human-to-human transmissions are also known.
When to see a doctor?
A doctor should be consulted as soon as flu-like symptoms occur. In case of headache and body aches, chills, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, a doctor should be consulted. If the symptoms persist for several days or increase in intensity, a doctor should be consulted. In case of throat problems, redness in the throat or disturbances of vision, a doctor’s visit is necessary.
If blood pressure drops or cardiac activity decreases, further examinations must be carried out to clarify the cause. If there are breathing difficulties, shortness of breath or coughing attacks, a doctor must be consulted. Medical care should be initiated as soon as the kidney fails or the kidney activity is restricted. If fluid accumulates in the lungs or there are breathing sounds, a doctor is needed to clarify the symptoms.
In case of bleeding of the conjunctiva in the eye or mucous membranes, there is cause for concern. A doctor should be contacted as soon as possible. Abdominal pain, cramps, a general malaise or fatigue occur in many sufferers. In addition, they often complain of increased sensitivity to light and should be examined and treated accordingly. Since it is a viral disease, care must be taken to minimise the risk of infection. Even if the symptoms are only mild, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of hantavirus infection:
In Europe, the hantavirus infection often goes undetected, which is why it is rarely recognized as such. The symptoms are usually similar to a cold or flu . In addition, doctors in our latitudes are not very familiar with this virus. After an incubation period of usually two to four weeks, the disease breaks out with a sudden, high fever. There are also headaches and body aches.
The severe course of a hantavirus infection with fever, which also leads to spontaneous bleeding ( Hemorrhagic Fever ), is very rare for the viruses known in Central Europe. The disease is most likely to progress with flu symptoms and additional kidney dysfunction. The viruses native to Asia trigger kidney failure somewhat more frequently. In America, on the other hand, the airways are more affected and the mortality rate here is also very high at 30%. Responsible for this are severe courses of pneumonia , in which the heart is also weakened.
To date, scientists have not been able to find out what causes the different courses of one and the same virus in different geographical areas. For example, the Dobrava virus, which is also native to Central Europe, causes a five times higher mortality rate in southern Europe. As with all viral diseases, other diseases with similar viruses are also possible with a hantavirus infection. Hepatitis is also very common . The hantavirus infection may also be unique. To date, no recurrence of the disease has been documented and patients are probably immune for life.
Diagnosis
Sudden high fever and pain similar to flu do not necessarily lead to the suspicion of the very rare hantavirus infection. Additional abdominal and back pain as well as blood in the urine make the diagnosis easier, but still cannot be assigned with certainty. The hantavirus infection can only be clearly determined by means of a blood test, which can also clearly identify the virus type.
Complications
In the worst case, the hantavirus infection can lead to the death of the patient. For this reason, it must be treated by a doctor in any case and must also be reported. Hantavirus infection usually causes chills and fever. Those affected feel exhausted and tired and continue to suffer from a significantly reduced resilience. Ordinary activities from everyday life can no longer be carried out easily. Pain in the muscles or in the back can also occur as a result of the hantavirus infection and significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected.
In many cases, this also leads to vomiting and diarrhea. The patients also suffer from pain in the abdomen or stomach and thus often from a reduced appetite. The disease can also lead to conjunctivitis, which in the worst case can lead to complete blindness. Inflammation of the kidneys can also result from the hantavirus infection.
Treatment of hantavirus infection is carried out with the help of drugs. If started early, there are no complications. However, contact with other people must be avoided with this infection. As a rule, the patient’s life expectancy is not reduced if the hantavirus infection is successfully combated.
treatment and therapy
As with most viral infections, hantavirus infection can only be treated symptomatically. Only the multiplication of the virus, which is rapid in most hanta types, can be contained. Good experiences have been made with the drug ribavirin, which is also used to treat HIV diseases.
In the mild course of the disease, treatment is limited to antipyretic and painkilling medication . The moderate and severe courses of hantavirus infection, on the other hand, require intensive medical care. If renal dysfunction occurs, this often requires dialysis. The particularly severe course of a hantavirus infection with hemorrhagic fever can be life-threatening, especially for people with a weakened immune system .
In addition to kidney function, the liver is also affected. However, the biggest problems are with blood clotting, which can lead to internal bleeding and Edema in the lungs. This form of lung involvement is common in Southeast Asia and America.
Prevention
Vaccination against hantavirus infection is not yet on the market and prevention can only take place with rigorous rodent control and vigilance in high-risk activities. To be on the safe side, cleaning attics, cellars or other rooms that are contaminated with mouse droppings should be carried out with a face mask and gloves.
Another way to prevent inhalation of the hantavirus is to mop floors instead of sweeping them. In this way, the dust sticks to the surfaces and does not get into the respiratory tract via the air. Mice carcasses are sprayed with disinfectant spray before disposal. When the work is finished, thorough hand washing is absolutely necessary.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.