After Coronavirus, Hantavirus now spreading across U.S. — symptoms, treatment, vaccines, and is it life-threatening?

Hantavirus is a disease which is spread by rats and mice. It killed Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman, earlier this year. On June 10, Nevada health authorities confirmed two cases of hantavirus in the state, as per reports.

Health officials warn people to be careful as the weather warms and rats become more active. Hantavirus spreads when people touch rats or mice, or their pee, poop, or spit. It can also spread through a bite. Rats like deer mice, cotton rats, rice rats, and white-footed mice can carry the virus, as reported by People.

Symptoms of HPS

• Fever
• Feeling very tired
• Muscle pain, especially in thighs, hips, back, shoulders
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness from fluid buildup in lungs
• These symptoms usually start 1 to 8 weeks after exposure

HPS is very serious and can be deadly if not treated fast. Diagnosis is through blood tests.

Treatments for HPS

• Medical care to support breathing
• Managing fluid in lungs
• Helping blood get enough oxygen

In places like sheds, barns, garages, trailers, and cabins where infected mice or rats might live or leave droppings. People should be careful in such places especially after winter when they are closed. No details were given about the two people in Nevada who tested positive, according to the reports.

Officials advise

• Sealing holes and gaps in homes so rodents can't enter.
• Using traps to reduce rats and mice
• Keeping food and garbage in sealed containers
• Cleaning areas with rodent signs using gloves and a good N95 mask

In March, Gene Hackman’s wife died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. New Mexico health investigators found signs that rodents had entered outlying structures on their property, as per the report by the People.

FAQs

Q1. What is hantavirus and how do people get it?
It’s a disease spread by contact with infected rats or their pee, poop, or saliva.

Q2. Is hantavirus deadly?
Yes, it can be very serious and even deadly if not treated quickly.