Could Hantavirus Turn Into an Outbreak? Experts Respond
Hantavirus, which came to the agenda after cases were seen on a ship in the South Atlantic, has reignited discussions about the possibility of a new outbreak. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that there is currently no risk of widespread community transmission or a pandemic.
Following cases of hantavirus identified on a ship in the South Atlantic, discussions about the possibility of a new outbreak have emerged. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) clarified that there is currently no risk of widespread transmission or pandemic among the general population.
Dr. Saliha Ayan, Assistant Professor at the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at Istanbul Okan University Hospital, addressed frequently asked questions about hantavirus.
Contact with rodents is the primary transmission route
Hantavirus is transmitted to humans primarily through contact with the urine, feces or saliva of infected rodents. The risk of transmission increases particularly when virus-containing particles become airborne during cleaning of areas that have been closed for long periods and are poorly ventilated.
Warehouses, barns, storage rooms, farm buildings and unused vacation homes are among the high-risk areas.
Only one type transmits from person to person
According to experts, Andes virus is the only hantavirus type that can be transmitted from person to person.
Dr. Saliha Ayan stated that the disease is not an infection that spreads easily within communities, sharing the following information:
"Person-to-person transmission is primarily associated with Andes virus, which is seen in South America. Limited transmission cases have been reported particularly in Argentina and Chile. However, no evidence of such transmission has been found among hantavirus types in Europe and Asia."
Symptoms can be confused with flu
Hantavirus symptoms generally appear 1 to 8 weeks after contact with the virus. In the initial stage, symptoms are often confused with flu.
In the early period, fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may be observed. As the disease progresses, serious conditions such as cough, shortness of breath, fluid accumulation in the lungs, low blood pressure, bleeding disorders and kidney failure can develop.
No definitive treatment or vaccine exists
There is no specific antiviral treatment with proven efficacy for hantavirus infection. Treatment typically consists of supportive care and close monitoring. Severe cases may require intensive care support.
Additionally, there is no widely available vaccine developed against hantavirus.
The most important step in prevention: environmental hygiene
Experts emphasize that preventing rodent contact is critical for protection against hantavirus.
It is necessary to prevent rodents from entering homes and warehouses, ventilate high-risk areas and exercise caution during cleaning. Sweeping areas containing rodent droppings is not recommended; instead, surfaces should be cleaned by dampening them first.
Wearing masks and gloves during cleaning, and washing hands after the procedure are among the basic precautions that should be taken.
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