By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Sourced
Seen Here: Health experts continue raising awareness about hantavirus, a rare but potentially deadly rodent-borne disease that can spread through contaminated dust, urine, droppings, or saliva. Early symptoms often resemble flu before escalating into severe respiratory complications. Public health officials urge communities to prioritise hygiene, rodent control, and early medical attention. Photo Credit: Sourced
Global health experts continue to raise awareness around Hantavirus, a rare but potentially life-threatening disease transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents and their droppings, urine, or saliva.
Although not as globally widespread as diseases such as COVID-19 or influenza, hantavirus infections remain a serious public health concern due to their high fatality rates and the speed at which symptoms can escalate once infection occurs.
Health authorities say increased public awareness is essential, particularly in areas where rodent infestations are common or where people may be exposed to contaminated environments such as farms, storage facilities, abandoned buildings, campsites, and poorly ventilated spaces.
What is hantavirus?
Hantavirus refers to a family of viruses carried by certain species of rodents. Humans typically become infected after inhaling microscopic particles contaminated by rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. In rare cases, the virus may also spread through rodent bites.
The disease does not usually spread easily from person to person, although certain strains identified in parts of South America have shown limited human transmission.
Different strains of hantavirus can cause different illnesses. In the Americas, the virus is most commonly associated with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness that can rapidly become fatal if untreated. In Europe and Asia, some strains cause Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which primarily affects the kidneys.
Symptoms can begin like flu — before rapidly worsening
One of the biggest dangers associated with hantavirus is that its early symptoms often resemble common viral illnesses, making early detection difficult.
Initial symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
As the disease progresses, particularly in cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, patients may develop severe breathing difficulties as fluid accumulates in the lungs.
Medical experts warn that once respiratory symptoms begin, the condition can deteriorate rapidly and may require urgent intensive care treatment.
How infection happens
Public health officials say most infections occur when contaminated dust particles become airborne and are inhaled. This can happen while:
- Sweeping or cleaning rodent-infested areas
- Opening unused buildings or storage spaces
- Handling firewood or farming equipment
- Camping or hiking in areas with rodent activity
Experts caution against dry sweeping rodent droppings, as this increases the risk of airborne contamination.
Prevention remains the best defence
Currently, there is no universally approved vaccine for hantavirus, making prevention the most effective protection.
Health authorities recommend:
- Sealing holes and gaps in homes and buildings
- Safely trapping rodents
- Storing food securely
- Keeping living and storage spaces clean
- Ventilating closed spaces before cleaning
- Using disinfectants rather than sweeping dry rodent droppings
When cleaning potentially contaminated areas, experts advise wearing gloves and masks and spraying surfaces with disinfectant before wiping them down.
Climate and environmental concerns
Scientists have also noted that environmental changes, climate shifts, and urban expansion can influence rodent populations and human exposure risks. Increased rainfall or food availability can lead to rodent population surges, potentially increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Public health researchers continue to monitor rodent-borne diseases globally as changing ecosystems and human settlement patterns create new health challenges.
Importance of early medical attention
Medical professionals urge people experiencing flu-like symptoms after possible rodent exposure to seek medical attention immediately, especially if breathing problems develop.
While hantavirus infections remain relatively rare, experts stress that public education and preventive hygiene practices play a critical role in reducing infections and preventing severe outcomes.
As global health systems continue monitoring emerging and zoonotic diseases, hantavirus serves as a reminder of the close connection between environmental health, wildlife management, and human wellbeing.
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