The latest reports from China about a man contracted with Hanta Virus have amplified the panic already created by the COVID-19 virus that has taken over the world since the start of the year. Social media since has been filled with misinformation regarding the Hanta Virus.
Earlier today, a man who was diagnosed with the new virus in China called Hantavirus died. The man, a resident of Yunnan province, was tested positive and died while he was on his way back to Shandong Province for work. The news of the hantavirus originating from China has sent shivers down people who were in a state of panic amidst the coronavirus outbreak which originated from China too.
A person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus on Monday. He was tested positive for #hantavirus. Other 32 people on bus were tested. pic.twitter.com/SXzBpWmHvW
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 24, 2020
Over the last few hours, since the reports appeared on the internet, there have been thousands of searches on Google about the hantavirus. People are increasingly interested to know more about the new hantavirus.
Hantavirus isn’t a new virus that has originated recently in China. Hantavirus has been living on the planet for long. Let us look at the deeper differences and similarities between the two viruses that have taken over the world.
Transmission of Hantavirus and Coronavirus
While Hantavirus is a disease that affects both the pulmonary region and as well as kidneys. The infection happens when a human comes in contact with the feces or urine of a rodent that is carrying the virus. Unlike Coronavirus, Hantavirus doesn’t spread from a human to a human. It can be infected when a person touches his/her face, nose or eyes after coming in contact with the urine of a rodent.
The center for disease control and prevention has warned that rodent infestation in and around homes remains the primary risk for the exposure of Hantavirus. The CDC has further said that there are cases of person to person transmission among close contacts with a person infected with a type of hantavirus called Andes virus.
Meanwhile, Coronavirus possesses a high infection rate as it can spread easily among people and the community.
Symptoms of Hantavirus and Coronavirus
The symptoms for both coronavirus and Hantavirus is quite similar. Fever, sore throat, body pain, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea are primary symptoms while shortness of breath is a late symptom.
Prevention of Hantavirus and Coronavirus
As per the instructions laid out by the CDC, the infection of Hantavirus can be prevented by eliminating or minimizing contact with rodents in-home or workplace. Sealing any holes or gaps in homes, garages, workplaces will stop rodents from encroaching your area.
Prevention of coronavirus includes cleaning hands often, avoid close contact with people and should wear a mask if sick.
