Why is hantavirus drawing global attention?
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500+ questions on Science & Tech with explanations
📌 Summary:
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Hantavirus is a family of RNA viruses carried by rodents (primarily deer mice, rats); humans infected via inhalation of infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva
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Two main disease syndromes: (1) Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) — common in Americas, ~36% mortality; (2) Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) — common in Europe/Asia, ~1–15% mortality
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Why drawing attention now: Cluster of HPS cases reported in rural Chile and Argentina (early 2026); WHO issued alert; no human-to-human transmission confirmed (Andes virus in South America is exception)
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No approved vaccine or antiviral treatment; management is supportive (oxygen, fluid management)
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Climate connection: Warmer, wetter conditions expand rodent habitats → increased human-rodent contact in peri-urban and rural areas
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India context: India has documented hantavirus antibodies in rat populations in Chennai, Kerala; no major outbreak yet, but surveillance is inadequate
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One Health angle: Hantavirus exemplifies the animal-human-environment interface where zoonotic spillover risks are rising globally due to deforestation and climate change
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Prelims fact: Hantavirus is named after the Hantan River in South Korea where it was first identified in 1978
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