“Rat Droppings Can Kill? The Scary Truth About Hantavirus”

Health & Fitness
28 May 2026 • 8:00 AM MYT
Mirhaa05
Mirhaa05

Write about what I’m learning and what I’m still trying to figure out.

Image from: “Rat Droppings Can Kill? The Scary Truth About Hantavirus”
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Hantaviruses, which are mostly spread by contact with infected rodents like rats and mice, especially through their urine, droppings, and saliva, can cause significant illness all over the world. https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/index.html

Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses that mostly infect rodents. They can occasionally spread to people and cause serious illnesses, including hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Europe and Asia and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in the Americas. Supportive treatment is essential for survival; there are no known remedies. A small number of hantaviruses, which are members of the Hantaviridae family and are associated with particular rodent species, can cause illness in humans. An estimated 10,000 to over 100,000 infections occur worldwide each year, with greater rates in Asia and Europe. Fever and gastrointestinal problems are among the symptoms that appear one to eight weeks after exposure, and transmission primarily happens through contact with rodent excretions. Rapid progression of HCPS can result in potentially fatal consequences. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus

The World Health Organization (WHO) believes the worldwide risk is low, but international health organizations have documented over ten cases and three fatalities following a recent hantavirus outbreak connected to the MV Hondius cruise ship. Instead of spreading from person to person, hantavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with rodents or contaminated dust. Dr. Kam San Dhit and other medical professionals emphasize the significance of identifying early symptoms, such as a high fever and excruciating muscle aches, and comprehending preventive measures. Misconceptions regarding hantavirus are dispelled, highlighting the fact that rat bites are uncommon and that it is not the same as the bacterial illness leptospirosis. In order to reduce exposure, proper cleaning methods and rodent control strategies are advised. Since the risk is still mostly confined to certain settings, awareness is more important than worry. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hantavirus

The two paragraph is summarized from these sources:

Although there is little specific treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, the prognosis is improved by early detection and prompt medical care. Severe instances necessitate critical care, which may include mechanical ventilation and intubation to maintain breathing. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which involves pumping blood through a device that eliminates carbon dioxide and provides oxygen, may be required in emergency conditions to guarantee a sufficient oxygen supply. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351844


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