The world is currently struggling to contain the deadly coronavirus commonly referred to as covid -19. The virus which originated from Wuhan city in China has so far infected over 384,000 people globally. Already 11,000 people have lost their lives majority from Italy and china. The highest infected country in sub-Saharan Africa is South Africa at 279. In East Africa Rwanda has recorded the highest number at 36, followed by Kenya 16, then Tanzania at 12. Uganda has recorded 8 new cases while Sudan and Burundi yet to register a case of covid-19.
The announcement of outbreak of Hantavirus in china has raised fears globally especially this moment when nations are dealing with coronavirus. Its reported that the virus has already killed one person in that country.
The symptoms when infected with Hantavirus
Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups—thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. These symptoms are universal. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. About half of all HPS patients experience these symptoms. Its mortality rate is 38%.
Why we should not worry about Hantavirus.
The virus originates from rodents. The rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. The virus is mainly transmitted to people when they breathe in air contaminated with the virus. When fresh rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials are stirred up, tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air. If a rodent with the virus bites someone, the virus may be spread to that person, but this type of transmission is rare. Scientists believe that people may be able to get the virus if they touch something that has been contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and then touch their nose or mouth. Scientists also suspect people can become sick if they eat food contaminated by urine, droppings, or saliva from an infected rodent.
The hantaviruses that cause human illness cannot be transmitted from one person to another. For example, you cannot get these viruses from touching or kissing a person who has HPS or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease.
Any activity that puts you in contact with rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials can place you at risk for infection. It is important to avoid actions that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming. Infection occurs when you breathe in virus particles.
