What’s hantavirus, and the way do you get uncommon infectious illness? – NBC Los Angeles
Every week earlier than actor Gene Hackman died of coronary heart illness of their New Mexico residence final month, his spouse, Betsy Arakawa, had died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a uncommon pulmonary illness linked to rodents, New Mexico officers introduced Friday.
Hantavirus, an infectious illness, may be contracted by contact with rodents or their urine or feces. Whereas it doesn’t unfold between folks, the illness is discovered around the globe.
Over 4 years in the past, a mouse collected from the border area of Santee and San Diego examined constructive for hantavirus, prompting officers to remind those who in the event that they discover rodents of their properties, garages, sheds or cabins, they need to by no means sweep up or vacuum up after them, however use “wet-cleaning” strategies as an alternative, to maintain from respiratory within the virus and getting sick.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome usually begins with flu-like signs earlier than quickly progressing to a extra extreme illness that might result in life-threatening coronary heart and lung issues. There isn’t a particular therapy or remedy, however early medical consideration can enhance the possibility of survival.
If not handled, an an infection can quickly progress and grow to be life-threatening.
“It actually begins just like the flu: physique aches, feeling poorly total,” stated Dr. Sonja Bartolome of UT Southwestern Medical Heart in Dallas. “Early within the sickness, you actually might not be capable to inform the distinction between hantavirus and having the flu.”
The virus may cause a extreme and generally lethal lung an infection referred to as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, based on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. The company started monitoring the virus after a 1993 outbreak within the 4 Corners area — the world the place Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet.
Based on the Mayo Clinic, hantavirus signs usually start one to eight weeks after the time of an infection, with the primary stage together with flu-like signs akin to:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Complications
- Nausea
- Abdomen ache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
“If you’re in poor health after which progressing to the type of signs interfering with the belongings you would usually do in the course of the day, you do want to hunt medical consideration,” Bartolome stated.
The easiest way to keep away from the germ is to reduce contact with rodents and their droppings. Use protecting gloves and a bleach answer for cleansing up rodent droppings. Public well being consultants warning in opposition to sweeping or vacuuming which may trigger virus to get into the air.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
