Hantavirus

Hantavirus Latest News

A recent study on hantavirus transmission in Madagascar highlights a critical intersection between invasive species, land-use patterns, and emerging zoonotic diseases.

Key Findings of the Study

• Black rats (Rattus rattus) have been identified as the exclusive carriers of hantavirus in rural Madagascar.
• These rats, originally from Asia, were introduced to Madagascar between the 10th and 14th centuries and have since spread widely across the island.
• Despite Madagascar’s rich biodiversity, none of the other small animals, including bats and native rodents, tested positive for the virus in this study. Nearly 2,000 animals were tested.

Hantavirus: Nature and Transmission

• Hantavirus is a rare but deadly virus that spreads through urine, feces, and saliva of infected rodents.
• Transmission primarily occurs through aerosolization of rodent waste, direct contact, or rarely, through bites.
• Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, making environmental exposure the main concern.

Symptoms and Risk Groups

• The disease typically progresses in two stages:
  • Prodromal Phase (1–8 weeks post-exposure): Includes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Severe Phase: May escalate to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), involving respiratory distress, fluid accumulation in lungs, and potential heart failure.
• High-risk groups include:
  • Farmers, field workers, and construction workers.
  • Campers, hikers, and individuals who come into contact with rodent-infested environments.
  • Children under five, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised are especially vulnerable and should avoid contact with pet rodents.

Hantavirus FAQs

Q1. What is Hantavirus?
Ans. A zoonotic virus spread by rodents (via urine/feces), causing Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) or Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Q2. How does it spread to humans?
Ans. Inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from infected deer mice (Americas) or striped field mice (Asia). No human-to-human transmission.

Q3. What are its symptoms?
Ans. Fever, muscle aches, respiratory distress (HPS), or kidney failure (HFRS). Fatality rates range 5–15% with timely care.

Source: IT