Pathogenesis (disease development)
The viruses are shed by rodents in body secretions. These remain infectious for several days. Human-to-human transmission appears possible only with Andes virus.
People at risk are canal workers, hunters, and forest workers.
Hantavirus disease causes vasodilatation (vasodilatation) and barrier disruption of the endothelial cell association of the capillaries. This causes the leakage of blood and inflammatory processes in the internal organs. At the same time, changes in the coagulation ability of the blood occur (thrombocytopenia/lack of platelets in the blood).
Thus, hantavirus infection leads to acute interstitial nephritis in the kidneys.
Etiology (Causes)
Behavioral causes
- Inhalation of infected aerosols
- Contact of injured skin with infected material
- Bites of infected animals
