Deadly virus carried by rats and mice is spreading in the US

Health authorities are warning of a potentially deadly rat-borne virus spreading in Arizona and other southwestern states, reports Newsweek.

Фото: Depositphotos

A non-cellular infectious agent known as hantavirus was responsible for three deaths in Arizona from January to July 2024. A total of seven cases have been confirmed statewide. Two more cases, one of which was fatal, were recorded in California. What is hantavirus, what are its symptoms and how to avoid it?

What is hantavirus

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hantavirus is spread by rats and mice. It can cause a severe and potentially fatal lung disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS. In the United States, this most common hantavirus is carried primarily by deer mice (also called “hamster mice” or “white-footed mice”), but rats can also spread it.

Between 1993, when hantavirus research began, and 2021, the CDC reported 850 cases of hantavirus infection in the United States. The largest number of cases were recorded in Colorado (119), New Mexico (119), Arizona (85), California (78) and Washington (59).

On the subject: Scientists predicted where we should expect the arrival of a new dangerous virus

Diagnosis of the disease is difficult.

“Early symptoms are flu-like and there are no tests to diagnose HPS,” said Jamie Wynne, consultant pharmacist at Universal Drugstore. “This is why fever and fatigue following exposure to rodents are symptoms of infection.”

Trish Lees, public information officer for Coconino County Health and Human Services, said the recent increase in cases may be due to changes in rodent populations. The California Department of Public Health believes the rodent population may have increased due to food availability.

What are the symptoms of hantavirus

Symptoms of HPS usually begin to appear within one to nine weeks after exposure to an infected rodent.

According to the CDC, early symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle pain, especially in large muscle groups such as the thighs, buttocks and back

Approximately half of all patients with HPS complain of:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal problems

Four to ten days after the onset of these symptoms, patients begin to experience debilitating coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

“If you develop a fever, body or abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, dry cough or severe difficulty breathing, you should contact your doctor immediately,” Winn said. “This is especially important to remember if you plan to spend time in the southwestern United States and come into contact with large populations of rodents, their nests and waste.”

The CDC estimates that 38 percent of those who develop these late respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

How is hantavirus treated?

There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection. Instead, patients should be treated based on their individual symptoms, such as by placing them on a ventilator.

How to reduce the risk of contracting hantavirus

The most effective way to reduce risk is to eliminate or minimize contact with rodents at home and in the workplace. In particular, you should seal holes and cracks in the house, hide any easily accessible food that may attract rodents, and set traps in places where you suspect rodent activity.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New Y

If you do come into contact with a wild rodent or its droppings, wash your hands immediately. You should avoid sweeping up droppings with a broom, as this can release infected dust particles into the air. Instead, the Arizona Emergency Information Network recommends the following:

• Before cleaning, open all doors and windows for at least 30 minutes to allow direct sunlight into the room.
• Spray the disinfectant on the nest droppings and let it soak in for 15 minutes.
• Wear disposable gloves and a mask to clean up poop with a paper towel or rag.
• Seal the stool in a plastic bag before throwing it in the trash.

Read also on ForumDaily:

A woman was hospitalized because she slept with the air conditioner on: what health risks does this pose?

How to choose the best tick repellent: practical tips

COVID-19 vaccine is ineffective and causes heart disease: Kansas sues Pfizer

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.