Media Coverage: GP Explains Hantavirus Symptoms and Why UK Risk Remains Low
Recent reports of a hantavirus outbreak linked to a Dutch cruise ship have raised public concern, but health experts stress that the risk to the UK population remains very low.
Dr Dominic Greenyer, GP and Director at The Health Suite, has provided expert insight into the virus, its symptoms and how it spreads.
What is hantavirus?
Dr Greenyer explains:
“Hantaviruses are a group of viruses that are mostly spread by rodents. Infection in humans is rare, but it can cause serious illness and death.”
Hantaviruses are found in various regions around the world, including parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. In the UK, only the Seoul strain has been identified, and it is not known to spread from person to person.
How does it spread?
The virus is most commonly transmitted through exposure to infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Reports of possible human-to-human transmission associated with the cruise ship outbreak have attracted attention because this is considered highly unusual.
Symptoms to be aware of
According to Dr Greenyer, symptoms can develop between one and four weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath
In more severe cases, hantavirus can lead to serious respiratory or kidney-related complications.
Current UK risk
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stated that the risk to the wider UK population is very low.
Dr Greenyer added:
“The World Health Organisation currently classes the risk to the global population as ‘low’.”
While hantavirus infections remain rare, Dr Greenyer’s expert commentary helps provide reassurance and awareness following international reports of the outbreak.
Read the complete article in HuffPost (UK)