Are you planning a trip to the USA this summer? A deadly rodent-borne disease with no known cure has claimed several lives across America, sparking a health alert. Healthcare professionals at Universal Drug Store have shed light on the causes of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and issued a warning to travellers about the symptoms to watch out for. What is hantavirus? Hantaviruses are viruses carried by rodents that can cause varying degrees of illness in humans.
Each hantavirus is specific to a different rodent host, reports Bristol Live . Humans contract the virus by inhaling infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. The Arizona Department of Health reports that from January to early July this year, seven cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have been confirmed in Arizona, three of which were fatal.
There have also been two reported cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Canada. How does hantavirus spread? HPS can be contracted by inhaling, consuming, or coming into contact with rat and mouse faeces, urine or saliva. This could occur through handling the animal itself, or by touching something contaminated with its bodily fluids.
The incubation period typically lasts two to four days, but can range from two days to eight weeks. What measures can be taken to prevent it? Coming into contact with rodents carrying Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) can be extremely dangerous. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling rats or their bedding and cages and steer clear .