Sin Nombre Virus infection is an infectious disease that has flu-like symptoms that can progress rapidly and cause life-threatening breathing problems. The virus is carried by several kinds of rodents especially mice. People are normally infected by breathing air which has been infected by the urine and droppings of rodents. Sin Nombre is also called as Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Symptoms
Sin Nombre Virus infection advances in two stages. In the first stage, people experience symptoms similar to flu such as
- Chills with fever and cough
- Malaise and headache
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
In the early stage, people usually get confused about the disease considering the symptoms which are almost similar to influenza, pneumonia, and other viral or seasonal diseases. But after 10 days the signs and symptoms become severe. Some of the second stage symptoms include:
- Cough along with secretions
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain or body aches
- A decrease in heart efficiency
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Appetite loss
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
The symptoms and signs of Sin Nombre Virus infection can get worse immediately and become life-threatening. If a person has been around rodents or seen rodent droppings and has seen any of the above-mentioned symptoms, then he/she should immediately seek medical attention.
Causes
The main reason for Sin Nombre Virus infection is a rodent that carries the infection and spreads it through the excreta.
- Main route of transmission: Inhalation- Sin Nombre virus infection is transmitted through aerosolization of viruses found in droppings of rodents, their urine, and saliva. Aerosolization of viruses occurs when they get mixed up with the air and humans inhale the same air. When we inhale the air the virus reaches our lungs and invades into capillaries which are tiny blood vessels carrying blood causing them to leak blood. Our body then gets flooded with fluid and triggers respiratory problems.
Transmission through an infected person- It is always possible for any infection to spread through an infected person to another person. As the virus infection is contagious, it spreads easily through breathing when in close contact with the infected person.
Treatment
The treatment options for Sin Nombre Virus infection are very limited. But the early diagnosis of the disease helps in curing the patient. Immediate hospitalization and provision for adequate breathing support help in the improvement of the patient. Some basic treatments for the infection include:
Supportive therapy- People with severe cases of virus infection need proper and immediate care at an intensive care unit. Mechanical ventilation and intubation support are needed for breathing and managing fluid in the lungs. Intubation is a medical procedure in which a breathing tube is inserted in the windpipe through mouth or nose to keep the airways open and functioning.
Blood oxygenation- In severe cases of Sin Nombre Virus infection called pulmonary distress, patients need a method of treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to help ensure them a sufficient supply of oxygen to the body. The procedure involves the pumping of blood through a machine that adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. The oxygenated blood is then returned to the body which is not infected with the virus.
Disclaimer: The information in no way constitutes, or should be construed as medical advice. Nor is the above article an endorsement of any research findings discussed in the article an endorsement for any of the source publications.
