Health officials in Arizona have issued a state-wide health alert following the deaths of four individuals due to rodent-borne hantavirus. From January to July, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported seven cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness. Hantaviruses are a family of viruses primarily spread by rodents, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These viruses can cause various disease syndromes in humans globally, including Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS). The CDC states that HPS is particularly serious, with symptoms initially resembling those of the flu but rapidly progressing to severe respiratory distress.

The recent spike in cases has raised concerns among health officials, who are urging the public to take preventive measures. The CDC highlights that hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Activities that disturb rodent nests or droppings, such as cleaning sheds or hiking in rodent-infested areas, can increase the risk of exposure.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine emphasises the importance of early detection and treatment of hantavirus infections. The study found that timely medical intervention can significantly improve survival rates for HPS patients. Despite this, the mortality rate for HPS remains high, ranging from 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

Health officials recommend several precautions to minimize the risk of hantavirus infection. These include sealing up gaps in homes to prevent rodent entry, using protective gear when cleaning areas with rodent droppings, and avoiding activities that could stir up dust in rodent-infested areas.

The Arizona Department of Health Services continues to monitor the situation and provide updates on preventive measures and potential risks. So what are the signs and symptoms one needs to watch out for? Let’s check.

- Fever: Sudden onset of high fever, often greater than 101°F (38.3°C).

- Fatigue: Severe tiredness and exhaustion.

- Muscle Aches: Particularly in the large muscle groups such as the thighs, hips, back, and shoulders.

- Headache: Persistent and severe headaches.

- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

- Chills: Episodes of feeling cold and shivering.

- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

- Coughing: Develops a dry cough that can progress to a productive cough with mucus.

- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, which can become severe, resembling acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

- Fluid Accumulation in the Lungs: Pulmonary oedema, where fluid fills the lungs, causing a sensation of suffocating or drowning.

- Fever: High fever with sudden onset.

- Severe Headache: Intense headaches that can be debilitating.

- Abdominal and Back Pain: Pain in the abdomen and lower back.

- Chills: Feeling very cold and shivering.

- Blurred Vision: Changes in vision, including blurred vision.

- Low Blood Pressure: A sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to shock.

- Acute Kidney Failure: Severe kidney dysfunction, which may require dialysis.

- Hemorrhagic Symptoms: Bleeding under the skin, in internal organs, and from body orifices such as the mouth, nose, and rectum.

- Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.

- Hypotension: Low blood pressure due to fluid loss or shock.

- Vascular Leakage: Leakage of fluids from blood vessels into tissues, causing swelling and drop in blood pressure.

- Avoid Rodent Contact: Minimize exposure to rodents and their habitats.

- Seal Entry Points: Prevent rodents from entering homes and workplaces.

- Safe Cleaning Practices: Use protective gear and avoid stirring up dust when cleaning areas infested with rodents.

- Public Awareness: Stay informed about the risks of hantavirus, especially in areas known for rodent activity.