Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: An indispensable viral disease (1)

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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is an infectious
  disease characterized by flu-like symptoms that
  can progress rapidly to potentially
  life-threatening breathing problems. Several
  types of hantaviruses can cause hantavirus
  pulmonary syndrome. They are carried by several
  types of rodents, particularly the deer mouse.
  You become infected primarily by breathing air
  infected with hantaviruses that are shed in
  rodent urine and droppings. Because treatment
  options are limited, the best protection against
  hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is to avoid rodents
  and their habitats.

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Causes of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

• The virus is carried by rodents and deer mice.
  It is present in the urine and faeces of these
  animals. However, it causes no form of illness or
  symptoms in the animals it infects. When a human
  comes in contact with the airborne virus or
  contaminated dust from mice droppings or nest, it
  can lead to an infection. Humans may also come in
  contact with contaminated dust when cleaning
  their houses, sheds, roofs as well as an area
  that was closed or empty for a really long time.

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Preventive measures for hantavirus pulmonary
syndrome

• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can be prevented
  by avoiding contact with rodent droppings and
  urine. In order to do so, one should take steps
  to eliminate rodent infestations in and around
  their houses. One should call an exterminator or
  the local health department to take care of the
  rodent infection and control. When cleaning
  droppings around the house, one should wear
  disposable gloves and mask. One must soak the
  dead mice, nests and droppings in a solution of
  sodium hypochlorite (household bleach). Dispose
  off the disposable gloves, masks and clothing.
  Wash hands with a disinfectant properly and
  thoroughly.

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Symptoms

• In the first 3 to 7 days of hantavirus pulmonary
  syndrome, many of its symptoms resemble those of
  a severe cold, the flu, or a gastrointestinal
  disease. 
• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches in the large muscle groups (i.e.,
  back, thighs, shoulders)

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Symptoms
Continue

• After the first few days, respiratory
  difficulties begin abruptly and can progress
  rapidly. People with the infection will develop a
  condition called adult respiratory distress
  syndrome (ARDS), in which the lungs lose their
  ability to move oxygen to the blood. Patients may
  develop a cough and shortness of the breath. Very
  quickly every organ of the body is affected.

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Treatments

• Specific treatment options for hantavirus
  pulmonary syndrome are limited. But the prognosis
  improves with early recognition, immediate
  hospitalization and adequate support for
  breathing. 
• Supportive therapy People with severe cases need
  immediate treatment in an intensive care unit.
  Assisted respiration, whether through intubation
  or mechanical ventilation, can help with
  breathing and ward off pulmonary edema.
  Intubation involves placing a breathing tube
  through your nose, mouth or trachea to help keep
  your airways open and functioning.
• Blood oxygenation In extremely severe cases of
  pulmonary distress, you'll need a method called
  extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to help
  ensure you retain a sufficient supply of oxygen.
  This involves continuously pumping your blood
  through a machine that removes carbon dioxide and
  adds oxygen. The oxygenated blood is then
  returned to your body.

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