Critical warnings from an expert regarding hantavirus

The issue came to the agenda following confirmed hantavirus cases on a ship named "MV Hondius" departing from Argentina, which resulted in the deaths of 3 people.

Medical Point Gaziantep Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Evirgen provided information about the hantavirus, stating that the virus is transmitted to humans through the feces, urine, and saliva of mice.

"It is not transmitted from person to person"

Stating that the disease can lead to serious health problems and death, Evirgen noted that the virus is currently not transmitted from person to person. Emphasizing that hygiene rules should be followed, especially in areas where contact with mice and rodents is frequent, Evirgen issued important warnings to citizens.

"It can be encountered from time to time in the Black Sea Region"

Stating that the hantavirus is not a newly emerged virus and has been seen rarely in Turkey in past years, especially in the Black Sea Region, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Evirgen said, "Hantavirus infection is frequently coming up on social media these days. Hantavirus infection is a disease that has been rarely seen in our country in the past. It can be encountered from time to time, especially in the Black Sea Region. The virus can spread through the contamination of soil or food with the urine, feces, and saliva of mice. It can be transmitted to humans by inhaling dust formed in environments where these wastes are present, or by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes after touching contaminated surfaces." he said.

"There is currently no definitive treatment for hantavirus"

Stating that the initial symptoms of the disease begin with flu-like complaints, Evirgen said, "This disease usually begins with symptoms such as fever, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and diarrhea. In the later stages, two different severe clinical pictures can emerge. One is respiratory failure, and the other is a form characterized by kidney failure and hemorrhage. It is a serious disease that carries a life-threatening risk. There is currently no definitive treatment for hantavirus. Patients are provided with supportive care under intensive care conditions." he stated.

"We do not expect a lockdown process like the one during the COVID period"

Providing explanations regarding protection methods, Evirgen also stated that they do not expect a lockdown process like the one during COVID, saying, "To protect against this virus, one must be careful, especially in rural areas and environments where mice live. Masks should be used in dusty environments, food should not be touched without washing hands, and the face area should not be touched. This virus is not like COVID-19. It is transmitted through close contact and the inhalation of infected dust. There is currently no clear information that it is transmitted from person to person. For this reason, we do not expect a lockdown process like the one during the COVID period."