After the coronavirus outbreak in India, people around the world have been cautious regarding medical cases, safety and health. Amid this critical scenario, news about a man's death in China because of the not-so-known 'Hantavirus' has taken the internet by storm.
People have taken to social media to share their concern and worries about the same, where while some have raised questions, others have given the answers their own way. China-based publication China Global Times shared the news on Twitter that a man from Yunnan Province passed away on Monday when he was returning from work and heading to Shandong Province. Keeping this in mind, the other 32 passengers on the bus were also tested for the virus.
A person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus on Monday. He was tested positive for #hantavirus. Other 32 people on bus were tested. pic.twitter.com/SXzBpWmHvW
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 24, 2020
While the coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns for many months now, this new virus has only made people worry a bit more. But here's something important to know about Hantavirus, and read this twice - there is nothing to worry!
Reports based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stats that Hantavirus is spread mainly by rodents (rats, mice, etc.) and is a group of viruses which causes different diseases in people, mainly the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and/or the Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).
The only way for this disease to spread is if one comes in contact with the urine, faeces or saliva of the rodents. In very few cases, it can spread through the bite of an infected host. But Hantavirus is NOT airborne and can not spread easily.
The symptoms of this condition are very similar to other viral infections. One may feel fatigue, fever, muscle aches, with headaches, dizziness, chills and abdominal problems as a part of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). It may lead to coughing and shortness of breath if untreated. In some severe cases, it is fatal, but the current mortality rate is said to be 38 per cent. This condition can spread from one person to another.
Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) on the other hand has similar symptoms but may also cause other conditions like low blood pressure, acute shock, vascular leakage, and acute kidney failure. The transmission of HFRS transmission is quite rare.
Medical care and ICU are two ways for primary treatment of the condition and many other cases receive oxygen therapy which supports in cases of respiratory trouble. Intensive care is advised.
Share
Tweet
