Hantavirus: how it can be transmitted and which symptoms should not be ignored 0 14

How hantavirus is transmitted

The main route of hantavirus transmission is airborne dust. Rodents shed the virus through urine, droppings, and saliva. After drying, particles mix with dust, and a person can inhale them while cleaning, working in sheds, basements, dachas, or warehouses.

Particularly dangerous are unventilated spaces where mice or rats may have been: dacha houses, attics, garages, storage rooms, and agricultural buildings. Even if rodents are not visible, traces of their activity can pose a risk.

Infection most often occurs:

• while cleaning the dacha after winter;

• during work in basements and sheds;

• when sorting through old items;

• during overnight stays in forest cabins;

• on farms, in warehouses, and in agriculture.

In rare cases, the virus can enter the body through broken skin, mucous membranes, or bites from rodents. Foods that have come into contact with mice or rats are also dangerous, so food should only be stored in closed containers.

Symptoms of hantavirus in humans

The first symptoms of hantavirus infection often resemble those of the flu or ARVI: high fever, weakness, chills, headache, muscle aches, and severe fatigue. Later, back and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and loss of appetite may occur.

In severe cases, problems with the kidneys or breathing arise. A person may experience decreased urine output, swelling, shortness of breath, cough, a feeling of suffocation, and chest pain. Sometimes the condition worsens very quickly.

The incubation period usually ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, but symptoms may appear later. Therefore, it is important to inform the doctor about contact with rodents, cleaning the dacha, basement, or shed even after several weeks.

You should urgently see a doctor if:

• you have a high fever after contact with rodents;

• you experience severe weakness;

• you have back pain;

• you notice a decrease in urine output;

• you have shortness of breath and chest pain;

• you experience a sudden deterioration in health.

The main danger of hantavirus is damage to the kidneys, blood vessels, and lungs. Without timely treatment, the infection can lead to kidney or respiratory failure and other serious complications.

Experts advise being attentive to any symptoms that appear after contact with places where rodents may have been, as reported by bb.lv. Timely medical assistance helps reduce the risk of severe complications and dangerous damage to internal organs.