Suspected Hanta Virus infection in Kerala

After Dengue and Chikungunya, now it is the turn of Hanta virus suspected behind deaths reported from the state of Kerala. Madhu, a 43-year-old rubber tapping worker, died a few weeks ago and is suspected to be a victim of the virus, says The Times of India newspaper.

According to The Hindu newspaper three suspected cases of Hanta virus were reported, but these cases proved positive for Scrub Typhus as well.

While the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), the premier biotechnology research centre in the capital city, stated that the deaths are caused by Hanta virus, the state Health Department reportedly disputed it.

Hanta Virus infection leads to the fatal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. Earlier symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle ache, stomach problems, and chills. Later, shortness of breath appears along with coughing. The virus can also cause the deadly Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome.

Rodents transmit this disease and rodent control is the key to the prevention of an epidemic.

Scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi infection) is transmitted by the bite of larval trombiculid mites. Scrub typhus fever shows clinical similarities to co-endemic diseases such as typhoid, leptospirosis, and dengue, says a paper published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Whatever may be the disease, the people of the state need a confirmation as soon as possible.

Note: Those with high cholesterol levels beware. A paper published in the Public Library of Science (PLOS) says that high cholesterol levels prove dangerous in case of a Hanta Virus infection.