These times are tough and they’re getting even tougher by the day. Just as coronavirus is being seen to be peaking across the globe, we have another ugly virus doing the rounds and that’s the hantavirus. Known to be spread through rodents, it’s not even close to as how widespread COVID-19 is, but it’s best to be safe and know the hantavirus symptoms and signs. Unlike coronavirus, this doesn’t spread from humans to humans, but only from an infected rodent, and you can get the virus when you come in contact with the urine, saliva or feces of this infected rodent. If you haven’t made direct contact, you are still at risk. The pathogens rise into the air when you’re cleaning dried up urine or saliva, thus masks, gloves and washing up are super important.
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Hantavirus Symptoms in Humans
Now, hantavirus is a family of viruses and if you’ve ingested these pathogens, you could be diagnosed with something called the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). While the virus incubation period is not known yet, it is said that it could take between 1-8 weeks for the symptoms to start showing. The main hantavirus signs and symptoms are:
- A fever, usually higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Chills
- Headaches and body aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting, abdominal pain
- Dry cough and difficulty in breathing
Now if you experience any of these mild symptoms, it’s better to get yourself checked up immediately, because there could be a rapid onset of symptoms if they’re not taken care of when first noticed. Be sure to be especially careful if you’ve had recent exposure to rats and rodents at home or anywhere else outdoors.
How to Diagnose Hantavirus
Unfortunately, there’s no real method of testing for hantavirus as yet. These initial symptoms are the exact same that are seen in a common flu, so fever, fatigue and knowing you’ve had a recent rodent exposure are the three main indicators that you should be watching out for. If you feel you have ticked these three boxes, see a doctor immediately. IMMEDIATELY! Considering the species of rodents that transfer the virus and cause HPS in human beings, you are most likely to get this disease in south-western USA. However, that doesn’t mean it’s limited to that part of the world. A recent case and death was reported in Yunnan district in China, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to Prevent Yourself from Hantavirus?
Firstly, stay away from rodents, as you never know which one could be infected. Much like mosquitoes, you don’t know which one carries malaria and dengue, so it’s best not to let any of them bite you. However, you can be infected without the rodent even being there anymore, so remember to use masks and gloves, especially when doing cleaning of basements, attics, store rooms, barns, warehouses, etc. Chances are that rodents would find shelter in such places more than they would in places that are regularly inhabited by human beings. Secondly, consider doing a complete deep cleaning and hygiene check at home. While we can’t be too sure of getting these infections while outdoors, let’s make sure we aren’t at risk at home too.
Conclusion
Professional pest control and home hygiene companies like HiCare can help a long way in doing these clean-ups at home and ensuring you’re always protected. Being India’s most respected home hygiene company, HiCare employs the highest trained technicians who are very knowledgeable about the entire home cleaning process. From bathrooms to kitchens to living rooms to even your cars, we cover it all, at the most reasonable prices too. To get a home cleaning package, call us at 8828333888.