Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by Hantavirus which is spread by rodents especially deer mouse. Other rodents such as white tailed mouse, rice rat, cotton rat also spread the disease. Hantavirus infection is an airborne transmission. The rodent droppings, urine, which contain virus, mix into the air in the form of droplets, which are inhaled causing infection. Person to person transmission is also one of the cause but rare. Tropical environment, poor hygiene, poor sanitation, Overcrowded areas are the contributing factors for spread of the infection. People involved in activities like camping, hiking, gardening are at high risk.
Clinical presentation
Infection begins with complaints like fever with chill, malaise, muscle ache in thighs, back, hips, and shoulders. There is headache, gastric complaints such as nausea and vomiting. Late symptoms include cough with expectoration, shortness of breath, sensation as if band is tied around chest. Lungs are filled with fluid. Patient experiences reduced heart efficiency and low blood pressure.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine blood tests, blood test for antibodies to Hantavirus is recommended.
Treatment
Immediate hospitalization is necessary for patients with pulmonary symptoms. Intubation or mechanical ventilation is required in severe cases. Supportive therapy is given with oxygen supplementation. Additional treatment with antibiotics, analgesics and antipyretic drugs is given.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Hantavirus pulmonary infection. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating Hantavirus pulmonary infection.
