Hantavirus is breaking the internet RN. But here’s why you don’t need to worry

We are still reeling with coronavirus when the news of a man’s death in China from hantavirus broke the internet. No, it’s not a typo. You read it right. We’re not talking coronavirus–rather but hantavirus, a relatively unknown disease that most of us don’t know about.

Don’t worry, hantavirus is not likely to become the next pandemic we are faced with. Still anxious? Well, calm your nerves as we give you all the details about hantavirus.

This is how one can get the hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)
The good thing is that it is not spread by human to human transmission. Then how is it spread? Well, via rodents like rats. Apparently, this virus is spread by the urine, droppings, and saliva of rodents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, the tiny droplets containing the virus get mixed into the air and if a person inhales them then this virus can be transferred to him/her. Or if the person touches something which is contaminated and then touches his mouth or nose, then he or she can get infected.

Also, if the rodent bites someone or if someone eats contaminated food then also this virus can be transferred.  

Although, Hantavirus is rare but it’s deadly. So, it’s better you know all its symptoms
According to the CDC, the incubation time of hantavirus can vary between one to eight weeks. Its symptoms include fatigue, fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Shortness of breath has also been witnessed as a late symptom of hantavirus. 

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It also has a high fatality rate of 38%.

Keep the rodents away to keep hantavirus at bay
As you are locked down in your homes nowadays, make the most of it by sanitizing your homes. It is very important to control rodents because according to the CDC, there is no specific way of preventing this virus. If you get it diagnosed during its early stage then only you can be spared. 

It is also advised that you sanitize the closets that have been locked for a really long time.

Also, read: Quarantine Diaries: I am in self-isolation. And it’s tougher than I thought it would be

So, here’s all that you need to know about this deadly virus. Although its fatality rate is higher than coronavirus, it cannot be transmitted from one human to another. So relax, keep your homes clean, and channel your energies into fighting coronavirus.