Hantavirus 101
Getting to Know Hantavirus: The Invisible "Intruder" from Mice We've probably heard of viruses that spread from human to human, but what about Hantavirus? This disease is quite unique because its primary carrier isn't humans, but rodents. Here's a quick overview of what Hantavirus is and how to avoid it. 1. Where Does It Come From? The name Hantavirus is taken from the **Hanta River in South Korea. The virus became widely known when hundreds of soldiers mysteriously fell ill in the 1950s. In short, this virus lives in the bodies of rats (such as field mice or house mice). The good news is, the rats themselves don't get sick. The bad news is, they carry the virus in their urine, feces, and saliva. Humans usually become infected by inhaling dust contaminated with rat droppings. 2. What do you feel? (Symptoms) Hantavirus is quite tricky because it initially disguises itself as the common cold. Symptoms don't appear immediately, usually taking one to eight ...