Hantavirus has recently popped up in the news. In South Africa, the Department of Health confirmed that the number of possible contacts in South Africa with hantavirus-infected people has increased to over 90 people.
What is hantavirus?
It’s a virus carried mainly by rodents like rats and mice. People can pick it up through contact with contaminated droppings, urine, or saliva, particularly in closed or poorly ventilated spaces. It doesn’t spread easily between people, which helps explain why cases have been relatively contained. The Department of Health identified the case in a critically ill international traveller who was evacuated to a private hospital. He had been travelling on a cruise ship from South America, with several stops along the route.
In terms of medical cases, the first patient was a 70-year-old male passenger who suddenly became ill in the ship, and presented with fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.
– Department of Health
Two other passengers from the same trip became seriously ill and unfortunately passed away. One case still awaits lab confirmation. In response, health teams have started contact tracing as a precaution, working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and provincial health authorities.
How do people become sick from hantavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms may include:
HPS (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome) is characterized by headache, dizziness, chills, fever, myalgia, and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, followed by sudden onset of respiratory distress and hypotension. Symptoms of HPS typically occur from 2-4 weeks after initial exposure to the virus. However, symptoms may appear as early as one week and as late as eight weeks following exposure.
Prevention comes down to practical, everyday habits: avoid contact with rodents, keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated, and take care when cleaning areas like garages, sheds, or storerooms where rodents may be present.
Thus far, this is a contained situation, and health authorities are managing it. Stay aware and keep up to date with health alerts. If you experience any symptoms, get medical assistance as soon as possible.
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