What is the full form of HPS?

Introduction

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but potentially serious respiratory illness which is caused by hantaviruses. It was first identified in the United States in 1993, and since then, cases have been reported in many other parts of the world.

Humans become infected with hantaviruses by coming into contact with contaminated rodents in particular their urine, their droppings, or saliva. HPS is a serious public health concern, and early detection and treatment are critical for successful outcomes. If exposed to the virus, healthy people are equally at risk of becoming HPS.

Causes

Human hantavirus infections occur infrequently, most often in locations where woods, farms, and fields provide optimal environments for the virus's rodent hosts. People may be exposed to the virus if they live or work in rodent-infested environments (such as barns, houses, sheds, and outbuildings).

Hantaviruses are Bunyaviridae viruses that propagate via the waste products of infected rats. Tiny droplets of the virus are released into the air when new rodent urine, faeces, or materials for nesting are mixed together is referred to as "airborne transmission".

There are also different ways rodents might transmit Hantavirus to humans −

• If a virus-infected rodent bites a person, the Hantavirus might be transmitted to that person, though this type of transmission is uncommon.

• Individuals may get the virus by contacting something contaminated with rat excreta or saliva followed by touching their mouth or nose.

• Scientists think that consuming food infected with the urine, faeces, or saliva of an infectious mouse can cause illness.

Symptoms

HPS symptoms might vary, but they generally start with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscular pains, and exhaustion.

Early signs include fatigue, fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), and muscular discomfort, especially in large areas of muscle such as the hips, thighs, shoulders, and back. Headaches, feeling dizzy. chills, and gastrointestinal problems including vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach discomfort are also possible.

Later symptoms of HPS emerge four to ten days after the initial stage of the disease. shortness of breath and dry coughing are two signs. The condition has the potential to rapidly fall. These symptoms include coughing as well as shortness of breath, which are caused by leaky blood vessels and culminate in fluid accumulation in the lungs, bleeding, and heart failure. Eventually, it leads to respiratory failure and shock, both of which can be deadly.

HPS has an incubation period ranging from one to eight weeks, with a mean of 2 to 4 weeks.

Treatment

Diagnosing HPS in a person for a few days is challenging since early symptoms can be mistaken for influenza. However, if the individual is continuing to suffer and has a history of probable rural rodent exposure, this would strongly imply HPS. If these symptoms persist, one should see their doctor right once.

There is no particular therapy for HPS. Early detection and treatment are crucial for positive outcomes. Hospitalisation, therapy with oxygen, and mechanical ventilation are common treatments. Treatment in the intensive care unit or ICU can be seen as useful and supportive. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, also known as ECMO, may be necessary in extreme situations to sustain respiratory function. Patients frequently complain of weakness, weariness, and reduced exercise tolerance as they recover.

Prevention

HPS prevention entails lowering the risk of Hantavirus exposure. Eliminate or reduce interaction with rats in everyone's home, office, or camping. Sealing up any gaps or fractures in structures, keeping food in sealed packages, and removing potential nesting places are all vital measures to avoid rodent infestation and control. To reduce rat infestation, traps can be used in and around the house. It is critical to use protective gear, gloves, and a mask while cleaning up rodents droppings, urine, or nests. Dead rats and rodent-infested places should be cleansed with alcohol, home disinfectants, or bleach before wiping away the debris with a towel. Personal hygiene practises, such as hand washing with water and soap, are also critical. A respirator should be used while cleaning heavy rodent-infested areas.

Conclusion

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a serious respiratory illness caused by hantaviruses. Exposure to infectious rodents or their excreta transmits the disease, which can swiftly proceed to respiratory failure and shock, both of which can be deadly. There is no specific treatment for HPS, and management is largely supportive. Prevention measures, such as rodent control and good personal hygiene practices, are essential to reduce the risk of exposure.

FAQs

Q1. Is Hantavirus contagious from person to person?

No, the Hantavirus does not spread from person to person. It can only be spread by coming into touch with sick rats or their excrement.

Q2. Can pets get infected with Hantavirus and transmit it to humans?

While pets such as dogs and cats can become infected with Hantavirus, they do not typically develop symptoms and are not thought to play a significant role in transmitting the virus to humans.

Q3. Are there any vaccines available for Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?

There are no vaccinations available for Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome at this time. The easiest approach to avoid illness is to avoid contact with rats and their excrement.