Arkansan infected by virus from a rodent

Little Rock, Arkansas – It’s the first time a virus of this kind has been identified in the state of Arkansas, and it’s usually harmful and found in rodents. It has now been proven in a human.

The state’s northwest is where researchers found the Hantavirus, which is well-known throughout the globe.

A research team from the University of Arkansas set out to identify the types of Hantaviruses present in the Natural State in 2020.

“I was going out and catching rodents with the goal of finding out what Hantaviruses they were infected with. So I didn’t expect to find a new one in them,” said lead researching student, Nathaniel Mull.

The Ozark virus is the current name for a virus that was previously unknown. It was discovered by researchers in hispid cotton rats in the Ozarks.

Hantaviruses typically only spread among members of the same species of animals, generally by saliva and droppings. However, it can also spread to people. People contract it primarily from breathing in air that has been tainted with the virus.

There has only been one verified case of the virus infecting a human in Arkansas thus far.

“So, it looks like severe flu that may develop into cardio-pulmonary symptoms or complications,” said Kristian Forbes, the leader of the research team.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a condition that can arise in an infected individual.

The illness manifests as a fever, exhaustion, nausea, and vomiting. Breathlessness and lung fluid buildup could occur if treatment is not received.

Although there is a 38% chance of death, doctors clarified that there is no known human-to-human transmission of the hantavirus. Moreover, the virus is treatable.