Deadly Virus Transmitted from Rats to Humans

Four people in the United States have died from a serious disease that is spreading among rats and has been found to potentially transmit to humans, for which there is no treatment and it may lead to death. In response, U.S. health authorities have issued an urgent warning to exercise caution. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there is currently an increasing number of cases of the “Hantavirus,” which is transmitted from rodents to humans through contact with materials containing animal urine, saliva, or feces. Western media reported that from the beginning of January to early July 2024, seven cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome have been confirmed in Arizona, three of which resulted in death. Additionally, there were two cases of Hantavirus in California, with one death. Health authorities stated that this virus is a "severe respiratory illness that can be fatal in some cases resulting from infection with the Hantavirus." Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain that can rapidly make breathing difficult. The health authorities added, "This virus may be present in many areas of the southwestern United States where rodent activity occurs, even if rats are never seen."