What is Hantavirus Infection?

Hello everyone! Today, we're going to dive deep into Hantavirus Infection. Hantaviruses belong to the Hantavirus genus within the Bunyaviridae family, and they primarily use rodents as their hosts. The virus gets its name from the Hantan River in Korea, where it was first discovered. Dr. Ho-wang Lee is credited with first isolating this virus in 1976. Hantaviruses are mainly transmitted to humans through the urine, saliva, and feces of mice.

The main symptoms of Hantavirus Infection include fever, bleeding, kidney damage, and lung damage. While they generally don't cause illness in rodents, some species can cause life-threatening diseases in humans. Recently, there have been reports of deaths due to Hantavirus infection in China, causing public health authorities to be on high alert, so extra caution is necessary.

Hantavirus Transmission Routes and Symptoms

Hantaviruses can be broadly categorized into Old World and New World types. Old World hantaviruses are mainly found in East Asia and Europe and cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), with a fatality rate of up to 15%. In contrast, New World hantaviruses occur in North and South America and cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a higher fatality rate, exceeding 35%.

The primary symptoms of Hantavirus Infection are as follows:

• High fever
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue

Notably, HFRS is transmitted through the respiratory route, with an incubation period of 9 to 35 days. Initial symptoms include fever accompanied by bleeding, followed by potential decline in kidney function.

Hantavirus Prevention Methods

There are several ways to prevent Hantavirus. It's crucial to avoid contact with rodents, especially in areas where cases are frequent. Vaccination is also an effective measure. In Korea, an inactivated vaccine called Hantavax is available. This vaccine is recommended as two doses administered one month apart, followed by an annual booster shot.

However, in the United States, Canada, and South America, vaccines and treatments for hantavirus have not yet been developed. Therefore, extra vigilance is required when visiting these regions.

Conclusion

Today, we've explored the symptoms and prevention methods for Hantavirus Infection. Being aware of and taking precautions against diseases like this can significantly contribute to protecting your health. Always prioritize your well-being, and if you experience any suspicious symptoms, seek prompt medical diagnosis. Wishing you continued good health!