Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is 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.

It is one of two potentially fatal syndromes of zoonotic origin caused by species of Hantavirus.

These include:

• Black Creek Canal virus (BCCV)
• New York virus (NYV)
• Sin Nombre virus (SNV)
• certain other members ofHantavirus genera that are native to the United States and Canada

It is also defined as a lung infection caused by viruses found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of some rodents.

Causes of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome:

Each type of Hantavirus has a preferred rodent carrier.

It can be transmitted in two ways

• Inhalation, the main route of transmission.
• “Aerosolization” of viruses shed in infected rodents’ droppings, urine or saliva.
• Person to person transmission

All in all, people can get infected by:

• Breathing in tiny airborne particles that come from rodent urine.
• Touching rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.
• Coming in contact with dust contaminated with the virus.
• Being bitten by an infected mouse

Factors and activities that increase the risk of developing HPS include:

• Opening and cleaning long unused buildings or sheds
• Housecleaning, particularly in attics or other low-traffic areas
• Having a home or work space infested with rodents
• Having a job that involves exposure to rodents, such as construction, utility work and pest control
• Camping, hiking or hunting

Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome:

The following symptoms are exhibited:

• Fever and chills
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain
• A cough that produces secretions
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid accumulating within the lungs
• Low blood pressure
• Reduced heart efficiency
• Acute respiratory failure
• Lung infection

Diagnosis of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome:

HPS is diagnosed via:

• A physical exam
• Query about symptoms, past health and exposure to rodents
• Imaging tests
• Chest x-rays
• Complete blood count
• Oxygen saturation test

Treatment of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome:

There is no cure or vaccine for HPS. But the prognosis improves with early recognition, immediate hospitalization and adequate support for breathing.

• Supportive therapy
• Assisted respiration
• Intubation
• Blood oxygenation
• extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to help ensure one retains a sufficient supply of oxygen

By : Natural Health News