(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) HANTAVIRUS

(APRIL-2025)

HANTAVIRUS

Recently, the wife of famous Hollywood actor Gene Hackman passed away due to a rare illness called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), bringing attention to this little-known but deadly disease.

Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection

Stage 1: Prodromal Phase (1 to 8 weeks after exposure)

Fever and chills
Muscle pain (especially in thighs, hips, and back)
Fatigue and headache
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Stage 2: Severe Phase – Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Sudden shortness of breath
Coughing and chest tightness (as lungs fill with fluid)
Rapid progression to respiratory failure or heart failure
Can be fatal without urgent medical care

Is there a cure?

No specific antiviral drug or vaccine exists yet.
Treatment focuses on supportive care:

Oxygen therapy to help with breathing
Mechanical ventilation in severe cases
Early diagnosis is crucial. Seek medical help if you develop flu-like symptoms after rodent exposure.