Could the world be facing another quarantine? Following covid-19 and the whole world getting shut down and quarantined the world faces a new problem in the Hantavirus. Could infection spread enough to be as bad as Covid was or will it disappear?

Hantavirus is bad respiratory causes fluid to build up in the lungs causing respiratory failure and can even often be fatal in some cases. Hantavirus can be contracted from inhaling airborne virus particles from mouse urine or droppings of infected rodents or can be contracted from long close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.

As the virus outbreaks are still relatively new and small we are still trying to learn more about it and find a way to stop the infection. Logan Gaunce, a junior student speaks about the virus. “It’s definitely not promising to see something like Covid again and I just hope we don’t go into lockdown again and it just stays small.” 

More and more breakouts continue to appear including most recently passengers from a cruise ship coming back to America. More breakouts have been reported in China, Korea and rural areas in North and South America. Reported around the world there are about 10,000-100,000+ cases reported annually worldwide.

People that come down with the virus experience symptoms of a fever, fatigue and muscle aches especially in the thighs, hips and back. Symptoms can rapidly progress within four to ten days to severe breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headaches and gastrointestinal issues.

As of now there is no specific cure of vaccine or treatments for the virus, but treatment plans can include relying on identifying the virus early before it gets worse. Then going into a supportive care unit including oxygen therapy and intubation for more severe cases. To avoid infection, it is important to stay away from people with the virus and avoid scooping rodent droppings or urine and to disinfect the area before cleaning.