Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

10.03.2025

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Why in the news?                        

         Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman recently died of heart disease a few days after his wife Betsy Arakawa death due to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

About Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS):

• It is a rare infectious disease that begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses rapidly to more severe disease.
• It can lead to life-threatening lung and heart problems.
• The disease is also called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome.
• Several strains of the hantavirus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

Transmission of the disease:

• They are spread mainly by rodents like rats and mice and are not spread from person to person.
• Infection is usually caused by inhaling hantaviruses that have become airborne from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
• Though rare, it can also spread through rodent bites or scratches.

Symptoms of the disease:

• • Symptoms often start with fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal issues.
  • If respiratory symptoms develop, the mortality rate is approximately 38%.
• Treatment: There is no specific treatment for hantavirus infection, but early medical care can help if serious disease develops.

                                                                Source: NDTV World

With reference to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), consider the following statements:

1. It is a rare infectious disease that can lead to life-threatening lung and heart problems.

2. It is spread through direct person-to-person contact.

3. There is no specific treatment for HPS.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer B