A dangerous disease with no specific treatment

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, hantavirus is a group of viruses capable of causing severe illness in humans, most notably hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The disease can progress rapidly, leading to shortness of breath, respiratory failure, low blood pressure and a high risk of death if not treated promptly.

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infection. Medical care mainly focuses on close monitoring, supportive treatment and intensive care at healthcare facilities.

Information from the World Health Organization indicates that in early May, a cluster of severe acute respiratory infections was recorded aboard a cruise ship traveling from Argentina across the South Atlantic. As of May 4, seven cases had been identified, including two confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. Notably, three individuals had died, one patient was in critical condition and three others showed mild symptoms.

The ship carried a total of 147 people, including 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 different nationalities. No Vietnamese nationals have been reported among those affected.

Hantavirus is an acute infectious disease transmitted from rodents - particularly rats - to humans. The primary sources of infection are the urine, feces and saliva of infected rodents.

Humans may contract the virus through direct contact with these materials or by touching contaminated surfaces and then their eyes, nose or mouth. Of particular concern is the risk during cleaning activities in areas where rodents are present, as dried rodent droppings can become airborne dust. Inhalation of this contaminated dust poses a significant infection risk.

Although human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, it has been documented in medical literature.

The incubation period typically ranges from two to four weeks but can extend up to eight weeks. Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, dizziness, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea. As the disease progresses, patients may develop cough, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, severe fatigue and low blood pressure.

No cases recorded domestically, but vigilance urged

The Department of Preventive Medicine noted that no human cases of hantavirus have been recorded in Vietnam to date. However, given the widespread presence of rodents across many areas, authorities recommend proactive measures to prevent hantavirus and other rodent-borne diseases.

People are advised to avoid direct contact with live or dead rodents, as well as their droppings, urine, saliva or nests.

When cleaning areas with signs of rodent activity, it is important to ventilate the space, wear gloves and masks, and spray contaminated surfaces with disinfectant or common cleaning solutions before wiping. Dry sweeping or using vacuum cleaners and blowers should be avoided, as these can disperse contaminated dust into the air.

Handwashing with soap after cleaning, waste handling or contact with potentially contaminated areas is essential.

Residents are also encouraged to seal gaps to prevent rodents from entering homes, use traps when necessary, store food and water in sealed containers, and dispose of waste daily to avoid attracting rodents.

If symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea occur after contact with rodents or contaminated environments, individuals should seek medical attention immediately and inform healthcare providers about possible exposure.

N. Huyen