Hantavirus is a disease caused by a virus which is transmitted to humans by rodents, especially the bank vole and by other rodents like the field mouse; it causes a disease called hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The incubation period (time between contact and first manifestations of the disease) is usually between 2 and 4 weeks. In rare cases, this period can vary between 5 and 60 days.
 
Symptoms of illness caused by hantavirus: This is a disease that suddenly begins with a fever above 38 degrees. The high temperature is accompanied by influenza-like illness such as headaches and muscle pain for 3-4 days. To this are added symptoms of pain in the back and often a slight vision disorder. Kidney problems are manifested by the presence of blood in urine. Renal failure can develop. Other internal organs may be affected. The disease may last several weeks. It heals in most cases but can become deadly in rare cases or result in kidney problems for people who have had a kidney disease before.
 
Causes of the increased incidence of infections: The cause of the increase in the number of infections is related to the presence of a large number of rodents and especially the significant increase in vole numbers. The vole lives in forest and currently has a lot of food in the form of beech trees and other fruit, which explains its intense multiplication. This rodent can be infected without becoming ill himself, while spreading the virus through their feces and urine. A main natural enemy of this rodent is the fox.

The virus is very resistant and is transmitted to humans primarily through inhalation of dust containing the virus. Occasionally it can be transmitted by contact between feces and injury or rodent bites. The virus is therefore present in dust in stables or barns frequented by rodents. The virus is not transmissible from human to human.
 
The most exposed areas are:
 
- The forest: Forest workers by working with timber can inhale contaminated dust or become infected by the virus by contact through micro-injuries.
- The garden: Working in the garden can result in contact with the virus through micro-injuries of the hands, for example.
- Attics: cleaning promotes the dispersal of contaminated dust that could be inhaled.
 
Recommendations for prevention:
 
To prevent the disease, one should, alongside basic hygiene practices like washing hands before eating, respect certain principles:
- If dry wood is moved which raises dust: use protection like a respirator;
- For garden work: protect small hand injuries by a small bandage and wear gloves;
- Prevent rodents from entering houses: set mouse-traps, close the entry points;
- Remove dead rodents in a plastic garbage bag, taking care not to touch them with bare hands but wear gloves;
- If you need to clean an attic or any room where rodents have stayed: ventilate the room and wear a protective mask; humidify before sweeping reduces the amount of dust passing through the air.
 
Anyone showing these signs, especially a high temperature combined with back pain or vision problems, having stayed in a medium capable of containing hantavirus the week before, should consult their doctor. Treatment is symptomatic: there is no specific drug or vaccine against this disease.
 
For additional questions, please contact the Health Inspectorate at tel: 247-85650.