90-Second Read: Third Hantavirus case confirmed in Taiwan this year

Taiwan health officials reported the third Hantavirus case of the year last week. After being reported and tested, he was diagnosed with Hantavirus syndrome. Humans are at risk of infection through inhalation or contact with dust or objects contaminated by the excrement or secretions (including feces, urine, and saliva) of rodents carrying the Hantavirus, or through bites from infected rodents. The case is a man in his 40s from northern Taiwan who has no recent travel history to domestic or international destinations and no history of chronic diseases.

Since 2017, there have been a total of 46 cases, with 31 males (67.4%) and 31 cases (67.4%) aged 40 and above. The CDC stated that Hantavirus syndrome is a zoonotic infectious disease. The CDC urges the public to implement measures to prevent rodents from entering, living in, or eating their food, as this is the most effective way to prevent Hantavirus infection. On May 2, he began to experience fever, chills, and weakness in his limbs and went to a clinic for treatment.

On April 7, he was bitten by a rat at work and went to the emergency room to have his wound cleaned and receive a tetanus shot. Subsequently, due to the lack of improvement in his symptoms, he went to the emergency room of a hospital and was admitted to the hospital. The public should be aware of potential rodent entry points in their environment, properly dispose of kitchen waste and pet food, and regularly clean their surroundings. To prevent the spread of the virus through the air, use disposable paper towels, rags, or old newspapers to clean up the mess, then seal them in garbage bags before disposal.

Sprinkle diluted bleach (1 part commercially available bleach + 9 parts water) onto the potentially contaminated area and allow it to disinfect for 5 minutes before cleaning. If you like the reporting on Outbreak News Today, please consider a paid subscription for $5/month or $30 a year.