Hantavirus vs Coronavirus - All you need to know about deadly viruses from China

Beijing : People across the world panicked soon after reports of a new deadly virus finding its way in China erupted; a man from Yunnan province lost his life soon after he was diagnosed with Hantavirus.

The news came as a shocker for the world who is already struggling to get a solution from a global crisis created due to novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The symptoms of Hantavirus looks very similar to that of coronavirus, the major relief is that does not have characteristics of human to human transmission.

Before we talk about the difference between COVID-19 and HANTAVIRUS, it is important to know what these diseases are.

Hantavirus is a disease that affects both the pulmonary region, as well as the kidneys. A human can get the virus when he or she comes in contact with the faeces or urine of a rodent who is carrying the virus. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says, "Rodent infestation in and around the home remains the primary risk for Hantavirus exposure. Even healthy individuals are at risk for HPS infection if exposed to the virus."

Yes, it is true that in 2020, China has reported its first case of Hantavirus but what is worth knowing that it was originally seen in the US in May 1993. A young Navajo man was suffering from shortness of breath. He was rushed to hospital in New Mexico, however, he died immediately. After reviewing his case, medical personnel discovered that the man’s fiancee had also died a few days before and showed similar symptoms.

Here are the major differences between Hantavirus and Coronavirus:

Coronavirus can be transferred easily among the humans, the result of which is the global crisis world is facing right now. However, Hantavirus does not have the characteristics and it spreads as we mentioned above in the article. It can be contracted if someone touches their eyes, nose or mouth after touching rodent droppings, urine, or nesting materials. CDC says, "In Chile and Argentina, rare cases of person-to-person transmission have occurred among close contacts of a person who was ill with a type of Hantavirus called Andes virus."

For both Hantavirus and Coronavirus, no trustworthy medical solution has been found yet and the only cure is to maintain hygiene and avoid the virus.

Also Read: Hantavirus symptoms, diagnosis and prevention