Getting to Know Hantavirus: What It Is

Getting to Know Hantavirus: What is it?

Hantavirus is an RNA virus belonging to the Hantaviridae family. Rats and other rodents are the primary reservoir hosts. Humans are usually infected by inhaling dust or bodily fluids from rats, such as urine, feces, or saliva, that contaminate the environment.

The name “Hanta” comes from the Hantan River in South Korea, as this virus was discovered after the Korean War. I already knew about it when I was a student, when there was dengue fever. We must differentiate this virus from leptospirosis in cases of concomitant kidney failure. Furthermore, when considering leptospirosis, we must also take this disease into account because it shares many similar symptoms. This disease is found worldwide and is divided into two symptom groups:

1. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which is more common in Asia and Europe, and
2. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which is more common in the Americas, particularly South America.

3. The disease is transmitted through inhaling dust contaminated with rat droppings, contact with rat excrement, and rat bites (rare). Generally, it is "rarely" transmitted from person to person. Except for the South American (Andes) strain that is currently in the news, symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, there may be kidney failure, bleeding similar to dengue fever, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure. The Andes strain that is currently circulating and in the news has a mortality rate of 30–40%.

   Has it been found in Thailand?

   Thailand has “found” evidence of hantavirus and antibodies against the virus in both rats and humans. The virus or genetic material of hantavirus has been detected in several rodent species, especially rats such as voles. Antibody levels have also been tested in some population groups, particularly those who are exposed to rats or work in agriculture.

   Hantavirus disease in Thailand is considered very rare, and the strains found are different strains as shown in the figure. The risk for Thailand is considered very low. Although this virus exists in Thailand, it is a different strain and has been around for more than 40-50 years, so there is no cause for concern.

   Reference: Prof. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Viral Diseases, Bangpakok 9 International Hospital
   Note: This article is prepared to disseminate health knowledge to the public, referencing information from external medical sources. The aforementioned references are not intended to imply that the physician providing the information is a resident physician. Or have a consultation schedule at Piyavate Hospital.

   For more information: Piyavate Hospital, Tel. 02-129-5555 or Hotline 1489