Hantavirus Explained: A Silent but Serious Health Risk

What is Hantavirus?

Currently, there is a global concern on this new emerging virus called Hantavirus. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread primarily by rodents (rats and mice).

Humans contract the infection mainly by inhaling airborne dust contaminated by the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents.

It causes two severe, potentially fatal illnesses: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare, though it has been documented with specific strains like the Andes virus.

Period of symptoms

typically, 1-8 weeks after exposure

Source

Carried by wild rodents (such as deer mice or roof rats), each virus is typically associated with a specific host rodent species.

HPS vs HFRS
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) aka New World Hantaviruses

Main rodent carriers

Deer Mouse and other wild mice species in North & South America

Regions	Primarily found in the Americas (e.g., Sin Nombre virus).
Symptoms	Begins with flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, muscle aches), which rapidly progress to severe shortness of breath and fluid filling the lungs.

Fatigue, Flu, Muscle Ache, Shortness of Breath

Severity rate		Spreads very fast and often fatal if not treated early
What makes it dangerous		Sudden breathing difficulty, Rapid lung failure, Requires ICU and oxygen support

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) aka Old World Hantaviruses

Main rodent carriers

Norway Rat → Seoul virus (in cities), Roof rat(or Black Rat), Field mice (in rural areas)

Regions	Commonly found in Europe and Asia
Symptoms	Starts with severe headaches, back and abdominal pain, and fever. It progresses to affect the kidneys, potentially leading to low blood pressure, internal bleeding, and acute kidney failure.

Headache, Back Pain, Abdominal Pain, Fever

Severity rate		Spreads less sudden and more treatable than HPS if detected early
What makes it dangerous		Kidney failure, Internal bleeding (severe cases), Shock in advanced stages

Threat

Malaysia is more at risk of HPV instead of HRFS. The biggest threat comes from house rats in buildings, drains, shops, and food premises

Treatment

There is no specific cure, antiviral medication, or vaccine at the moment. Early hospitalization and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation is heavily relied on.

Prevention and control

Disinfect the infested area before cleaning to avoid air contamination.

Avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, as this may spread contaminated dust.

Wear gloves and a N95 respirator mask when cleaning areas affected by rodents.

Eliminate rat and mouse infestations promptly.

Seal holes, gaps, and entry points around buildings.

Store food in sealed containers and maintain good sanitation.

Or hire Pest Control Service to inspect and eliminate rats and rodents from the premise.

It’s important to be aware of our premise’s hygiene and take preventive measures now to prevent another potential pandemic. Stay aware, stay educated, stay safe.

Click here to book our Rat or Mouse Treatment service now: https://wa.link/f1dwhi
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