Hanta Virus is described as a dangerous respiratory illness related to Ebola. How is it contracted and what is its approximate mortality rate?

• A. Contracted by human contact with rodent waste; about 50% mortality.
• B. Contracted by airborne transmission between humans; about 20% mortality.
• C. Contracted by contact with contaminated water; about 5% mortality.
• D. Contracted by eating contaminated meat; about 75% mortality.

Answer: (A)

Hantavirus infection is acquired mainly when people inhale aerosolized particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Cleaning up rodent-infested areas without proper precautions can aerosolize these substances and lead to infection. It isn’t typically spread through casual skin-to-skin contact or via food or water, and person-to-person airborne transmission is not the usual route for most hantaviruses.

The mortality rate for hantavirus infections, especially hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, can be quite high and has varied by outbreak and strain. An approximate figure around one-half of those infected is used in some contexts, which is why this option aligns with common estimates. Early symptoms resemble the flu and can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress, so prompt recognition and supportive care are crucial. Prevention centers on reducing rodent access and safely cleaning areas with potential rodent contamination.

The other options describe transmission routes that are not characteristic of hantaviruses (airborne spread between people, waterborne exposure, eating contaminated meat), and the mortality figures for those routes do not fit the typical hantavirus patterns.