Hantavirus Syndrome Q&A

According to the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, as of May 3 this year, there have been 2 cumulative cases of Hantavirus Syndrome in Taiwan, the same number as during the same period in the past four years. In addition to the previously announced case in January involving a man in his 70s from Taipei City, another case involved a man in his 70s from New Taipei City with a history of chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Since mid-March, he had developed symptoms including fever with chills, sore throat, muscle aches throughout the body, decreased urine output, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. After hospital testing and reporting, he was confirmed to have Hantavirus Syndrome. Following treatment, he was discharged from the hospital on March 30.

What is Hantavirus Syndrome?

Hantavirus Syndrome is a disease caused by the Hantavirus. It is a zoonotic infectious disease that is mainly transmitted from infected rodents (such as rats and mice) to humans. Based on clinical symptoms and disease progression, infections may be classified into:

• Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

How is Hantavirus Syndrome transmitted?

The disease is mainly transmitted through inhalation of or contact with rodent secretions or excretions. Infection may also occur through:

• Contact with contaminated airborne dust or objects
• Bites or scratches from infected rodents

How can Hantavirus Syndrome be prevented?

Because the disease is primarily spread by rodents carrying the virus, prevention focuses on rodent control. Follow the “Three No’s” rodent prevention policy:

• Do not let rodents come in
• Do not let rodents stay
• Do not let rodents eat

Homes and public places should strengthen environmental cleaning, remove rodents from buildings, and implement rodent-proofing measures. If signs of rodents are found, rodent extermination measures should be carried out immediately.

How can rodents be prevented at home?

1. Wash dishes and kitchen utensils promptly after use, and keep kitchens and living areas clean.
2. Store food and drinking water in sealed containers to prevent attracting rodents and contamination. Pay special attention to properly sealing pet food overnight.
3. Do not leave food waste outdoors overnight. If garbage cannot be discarded immediately, keep trash cans covered.
4. Inspect holes inside and outside the house (larger than 6 mm in diameter) and seal them with suitable materials such as metal or cement to prevent rodents from entering.
5. Clear weeds, bushes, and clutter around buildings, and dispose of unused waste materials to prevent rodents from nesting or hiding.
6. Carry out regular environmental cleaning and rodent control measures.
7. Rodents’ teeth continuously grow and require gnawing. If wooden doors are damaged by rodent bites, install metal plates for protection and conduct rodent extermination.

How should rodent droppings be handled?

1. Open all doors and windows for ventilation for 30 minutes before cleaning.
2. Wear a mask and plastic or rubber gloves. Dilute household bleach to a 1:9 ratio (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), carefully pour or spray it on the droppings, wait 5 minutes for disinfection, then wipe the contaminated area from the outside inward before cleaning again with water.
3. To prevent the virus from becoming airborne, use disposable paper towels, cloths, or old newspapers to clean up the waste, then seal them in a garbage bag before disposal.
4. (Note: Using a mop directly on droppings is not recommended, as it may spread contamination to other areas.)
5. Before removing gloves, wash the gloves with soap and water or diluted bleach solution, then remove the gloves and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.

Is there a vaccine for Hantavirus Syndrome?

Currently, there is no vaccine available for prevention. Effective rodent control in the environment remains the best way to reduce human contact with rodents and lower the risk of infection.

What should people do if they suspect Hantavirus infection?

Seek medical attention at a nearby healthcare facility as soon as possible. Inform the doctor about any history of animal exposure (especially rodents) and recent travel history so that appropriate treatment can be provided early.

How is Hantavirus Syndrome treated?

There is currently no specific treatment for Hantavirus infection. Clinical management mainly involves supportive care.

Source Taiwan CDC :https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/QAPage/VXa14d9roDiCu2GlA_ZRfg