15 May 9:26
Hantavirus is difficult to distinguish from influenza and other viral infections in its early stages, but kidney damage may develop later in the disease. Infectious disease doctor Elena Meskina told RIA Novosti about this.
According to the specialist, at the onset of the disease, symptoms may be similar to a common viral infection. It is possible to understand that we are talking about hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) only after the appearance of specific symptoms.
“In the initial stages of the disease, HFRS cannot be distinguished at all from influenza or other viral infections. Only when specific symptoms appear, for example, kidney damage, does it become clear that this is a given disease,” the doctor said.
The infectious disease specialist noted that when seeking medical help, it is important to inform the doctor about possible contact with rodents. This may be staying in places where they are found, or direct contact with them.
“If, as a result of the collected epidemiological history, it turned out that the patient had contact with rodents or visited places where rodents are found, then, of course, we will examine him for hantavirus,” Meskina concluded.
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The reason for the discussion was the outbreak of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which was traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde. Three people died, the ship later arrived on the shores of the Canary Islands, and the passengers were evacuated.
WHO reported 11 cases of illness caused by hantavirus. Nine cases were confirmed to be infected with the Andes virus. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans through contact with rodents. They can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
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