HALKWEB/ DİLEK BOZKURT The increasing number of Hanta virus cases, especially across Europe in recent days, has raised the question “Is a new pandemic at the door?”. Responding to concerns spread on social media Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya, emphasized that the current situation does not pose a community-wide epidemic threat and urged citizens to remain calm.
Beware of Danger from Rodents
Providing information about the nature and transmission routes of the Hanta virus, Özkaya stated that the main source of the virus is mice and other rodents. The following details about the disease process stand out:
Bulash Road: The virus is transmitted by inhalation of air containing feces, urine, epithelial and cellular waste of mice and rodents by humans, reaching the lungs.
Symptoms: Initially, the disease shows typical flu symptoms. In later stages, it causes pulmonary edema and severe respiratory distress.
Transition from Human to Human: Although cases of human-to-human transmission are very rare (one or two cases), it was stated that this situation has not turned into a general epidemic risk.
”There is No Closure or Quarantine”
Referring to the fear of quarantine in the society, Dr. Özkaya clearly stated that there is no need for any closure or restriction measures for the time being:
”We are not expecting an outbreak at the moment. We want our citizens to know that the isolated cases are treatable. There is no risk of closure or quarantine.”
Health System Prepared
Referring to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Özkaya stated that the medical world is now much more experienced in the treatment of viral pneumonia and respiratory diseases. Reminding that the main cause of deaths during the COVID-19 period was not the lack of recognition of the disease, but the excessive intensive application that exceeded the capacity of the health system, Özkaya underlined that the system and treatment methods are ready for Hanta virus cases.
Although the hantavirus is a disease that needs to be monitored, there is no need for panic in the light of current data. While health units closely monitor the cases, personal hygiene and avoiding contact with rodents remain the most effective prevention methods.
Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya