It is a very deadly disease which affects man being spread by rodents. It has got resembles with human influenza infection. It has prevalent world wise and recorded from India.
Aetiology
It is caused by Hanta Virus.
Transmission
This virus is carried by rodents. Deer mice is the main offender. This mice used to carry the virus and the virus is present in the urine or faeces. This mice does not fall sick. Man got the infection while they come in contact with contaminated urine or faeces or even dusts carrying the virus. The person involved in cleaning the home, shed or other covered sheds may acquire the infection. Human to human transmission is not reported.
Clinical Symptoms
It has got similarity with human flu. Symptoms are comprised of high rise of temperature, shivering, muscular pain and depression. Subsequently after 1-2 days the affected person suffer from distressed breathing. The other symptoms which follow are dry cough, malaise, headache, nausea and vomiting. Finally, severe dyspnoea.
Diagnosis
One has to look to the followings
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
- Low blood pressure
- Less oxygen in blood – cyanosis
Test to be performed
- Isolation of the virus.
- Detection of the virus by PCR, ELISA etc.
- Blood test for signs of Hanta virus.
- Complete blood count
- Complete metabolic profile
- Kidney function test
- Liver function test
- X-ray of the chest
Treatment
This is such a disease which needs immediate hospitalization. Even it may be required to put the patient in intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment as needed are
- Provision of oxygen
- Breathing tube or machine
- Use of ribavarin to combat kidney related problems since there is no specific treatment for Hanta virus infection.
In spite of treatment the symptoms may turn grave causing death. More than 50% people used to die.
Complications which may develop due to Hanta virus infection are:
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Lung failure
The above complications may lead to death.
Control
- Avoid exposure to urine and droppings of rodents
- While making ay hiking or camping care should be taken to avoid rodent habitats.
- Avoid rodent dens
- Drink disinfected water
- Sleep on a ground cover with pad
- Clean your house
- Clean your kitchen
- Clear out nesting sites of rodents
Recommendations which have been made from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta may be followed.
- When opening an unused cabin, shed or other building open all the doors and windows leave the building and allow the space to air out for 30 minutes.
- Return to the building and spray the surfaces, carpet and other areas with a disinfectant. Leave the building for another 30 minutes.
- Spray mouse nests and droppings with a 10% solution of chlorine bleach or similar disinfectants. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Using rubber gloves, place the materials in plastic bags. Seal the bags and throw in the trash or an incinerator. Dispose gloves and cleaning materials in the same way.
- Wash all potentially contaminated hard surfaces with a bleach or disinfectant solution. Avoid vacuuming until the area has been thoroughly decontaminated. Then vacuum the first few times with enough ventilation. Surgical masks may provide some protection.
