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Medical specialists from Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital have warned that hantavirus infection may initially present with symptoms similar to influenza, emphasizing the importance of early recognition, particularly in individuals with a history of rodent exposure.
According to the hospital’s statement, hantavirus infection can begin with non-specific symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and dry cough.
While the early clinical picture may resemble common upper respiratory tract infections, the disease can progress in some cases to severe respiratory failure and kidney involvement.
Professor Dr. Sinem Iliaz, a chest diseases specialist at Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, noted that the infection is often difficult to distinguish from influenza in its initial stage.
“Patients may present with fever, fatigue, and widespread muscle pain at the beginning. However, in certain cases, the condition may deteriorate and lead to serious respiratory distress and lung involvement,” she said.
In a separate statement, Dr. Muberra Hraloglu, an infectious diseases and clinical microbiology specialist at the same institution, emphasized that rodents constitute the primary source of hantavirus transmission.
She cautioned that improper cleaning practices in contaminated environments may increase the risk of airborne spread.
“Direct sweeping or vacuuming of areas contaminated with rodent droppings or urine can cause viral particles to become airborne. Such areas should first be ventilated and then cleaned using appropriate disinfectants and protective equipment,” she stated.
Health experts underlined that prevention primarily depends on avoiding contact with rodents and maintaining strict hygiene standards in living environments, particularly in enclosed or long-unused spaces such as basements, storage areas, rural houses, and barns.
They further advised that individuals with suspected rodent exposure who develop symptoms including high fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, or decreased urine output should seek medical attention without delay.
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