The World Health Organization says the incubation period for hantavirus can be up to six weeks and symptoms can be severe.
Hantavirus PHOTO: Shutterstock
Hantavirus is a type of virus with a trisegmented single-stranded RNA genome and is mainly spread by rodents. It is transmitted to humans through bodily fluids and animal excrement, causing various diseases.
There are several types of hantaviruses, each associated with a specific type of rodent. Humans can become infected when they inhale particles from infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva.
The symptoms of hantavirus can resemble those of the flu. At first there are fever, chills, muscle pain (especially in the thighs, back and hips), severe fatigue and headaches. In some cases, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain may also be present.
After a few days, the disease can progress to more severe forms, in which a dry cough and breathing difficulties appear, caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. In severe cases, the infection can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a complication that requires emergency medical care and admission to intensive care.
“It is not a virus like SARS-CoV-2”
WHO representatives emphasized that hantavirus does not spread easily from person to person, unlike the coronavirus or influenza, and usually requires close and prolonged contact with an infected source.
Maria Van Kerkhove, interim director of WHO's epidemic and pandemic threats department, said after the outbreak on the cruise ship that the situation should not be compared to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is not the coronavirusl. It is a completely different virus. There are no indications that it could trigger a global pandemic.” she stated, adding that it is a geographically and epidemiologically limited outbreak.
Although the situation has caused concern, WHO specialists say there is no evidence to indicate a rapid spread or a pandemic risk.
The first case in Romania
The medical authorities have confirmed the first case of a patient infected with hantavirus in Romania, identified in Arad. It is about a young man of about 25 years old, who had been hospitalized in Bihor and then transferred to Arad.
The National Institute of Public Health issued the first statement regarding the information published in the press. The case is under epidemiological and clinical investigation. The biological samples were collected and sent to the Cantacuzino Institute to confirm or deny the diagnosis. Until the laboratory results are received, the case remains classified as suspicion.
“A suspected case of hantavirus has been reported, currently undergoing epidemiological and clinical investigation. It is about a person hospitalized in a psychiatric unit since July 2023, with no known contact with sick or suspected persons. Biological samples have been collected and sent to the Cantacuzino Institute to confirm or refute the diagnosis. Until the laboratory results are received, the case remains classified as suspicion”. sent the INSP representatives, in a press release.
