Understanding Hantavirus in India: Insights from Top Epidemiologist
India Has Seen Cases Of Hantavirus In The Past, It Gave Only Mild Kidney Symptoms: Top Epidemiologist
News 18
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India has reported cases of hantavirus, but the local strain is less severe than the Andes variant, which has a mortality rate of 40%. Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar explains that while exposure is common, severe cases are rare, highlighting the importance of hygiene to prevent zoonotic diseases.
- 01India's hantavirus strain causes milder symptoms compared to the lethal Andes variant.
- 02Mortality rates for the Indian strain are significantly lower, estimated at 1-10%.
- 03Exposure to hantavirus is common, with up to 10% of high-risk populations showing antibodies.
- 04Climate change is increasing interactions between humans and wildlife, potentially leading to more viral outbreaks.
- 05Preventive measures like hygiene and pest control are crucial for public health.
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India has documented cases of hantavirus, but according to Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, a leading epidemiologist, the variant present in the country causes milder symptoms compared to the Andes strain, which has a 40% mortality rate. The Indian strain leads to a haemorrhagic fever associated with renal syndrome, with mortality rates estimated at 1-10%. Despite widespread exposure, with antibody studies showing that up to 10% of high-risk populations have been exposed, severe clinical cases remain rare. Dr. Gangakhedkar attributes this to the milder nature of the Indian strain and emphasizes that no human-to-human transmission has been reported. He also notes that climate change is increasing the likelihood of zoonotic diseases as animals migrate closer to human habitats in search of resources. India has established a robust health surveillance system to monitor emerging threats, and citizens are advised to adhere to basic hygiene practices to mitigate risks of zoonotic infections.
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The milder nature of the hantavirus strain in India suggests that while exposure is common, severe illness is rare, reducing public health concerns.
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