Le hantavirus des Andes est un virus rare appartenant à la famille des hantavirus et présent principalement en Amérique du Sud.
It is primarily transmitted by rodents through inhalation of air contaminated with particles from the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected animals.
Contrairement à la plupart des hantavirus, le hantavirus des Andes peut, dans de rares cas, se transmettre d’une personne à une autre, surtout lors d’un contact étroit et prolongé.
Symptoms usually appear between one and eight weeks after exposure.
Early symptoms commonly include:
- fever
- severe fatigue
- muscle pain
- headache
- nausea or diarrhea
In some cases, the illness can progress rapidly and cause more serious symptoms such as:
- shortness of breath
- cough
- chest pain
These symptoms may lead to severe respiratory distress and require immediate medical care.
immédiats.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus. Medical care is mainly supportive and provided in hospital settings. Early diagnosis generally improves the outcome.
Prevention is very important and includes avoiding contact with rodents, ventilating closed spaces before cleaning, and using protective equipment such as masks and gloves.