threat of hantavirus
Recently there was an outbreak of Hantavirus on the MV Hodians cruise ship. There have also been some deaths due to this virus. In such a situation, many countries are on alert. Meanwhile, India has also activated its high-level biosurveillance system as a precaution, so that this dangerous virus cannot enter the country. This has been done because there were Indian citizens also on the cruise. The Indian Embassy in Spain has confirmed that two Indian citizens on board the ship have been sent to the Netherlands under health protection protocols, where they have been kept in quarantine.
At present there are no symptoms of the virus in both the citizens. However, they will be kept under observation for 45 days so that the virus does not spread. Hantavirus It spreads to humans through contact with the feces and urine of infected rats. There is no human transmission of this virus, but it has many strains. Scientists are more worried about the Andes strain of this virus, because this strain can spread from one person to another. This is why the World Health Organization has alerted many countries. ICMR in India is also keeping an eye on the virus.
ICMR activated viral shield of 165 labs
ICMR has activated its virus research and diagnostic labs. ICMR has about 165 such labs across the country. These are the labs where samples of patients suspected of Hantavirus can be tested. These labs have been activated because if symptoms of the virus are found in a person coming from abroad, then they can be easily tested in these labs. This step has been taken so that the samples of the infected can be tested in time and if the virus is confirmed in the patient, then he should be kept under observation and get treatment.
Hantavirus will be tested through RT-PCR test
Like Corona virus, Hantavirus will also be tested through RT-PCR test. In the same sequence, viral RNA is extracted from the patient’s sample, RNA is converted into DNA and the genetic material of the virus is multiplied manifold. The machine detects the presence of the virus in real time.
What are the symptoms of Hantavirus?
Fever
muscle pain
Headache
stomach pain
vomiting or nausea
Can the virus spread from person to person?
According to experts, there is a possibility of Andes strain spreading from human to human. This is the reason why surveillance is being increased all over the world. For this reason India is also on alert. Although it is a matter of relief that at present there is no case of Hantavirus in India, but health experts say that precaution is necessary. Especially if any symptoms of the virus are seen in people coming from abroad, then screening can be started at the airport itself.
