Hanta virus spreads in Nellore, claims two lives

NELLORE: People of the district are shivering at emergence of a new dreadful disease-causing virus, Hanta, which has already claimed two lives.Two weeks ago a woman of Chinnapadugupadu village in Kovur mandal died of a mysterious disease. It had been assumed first that the cause of the death might be dengue, as several cases of dengue were being reported in the district for several weeks, but later it was confirmed that the death was due to the Hanta virus.Five days ago Subhadramma of Nawabpet area of Nellore city died while undergoing treatment at Global Hospitals in Chennai. The cause of her death was said to be Hanta virus and the blood samples were sent to  Hyderabad to alert the government machinery.Immunisation department joint director Neerada and epidemiologist Ramesh have visited Chinnapadugupadu recently. After conducting tests and verifying the local medical records, they confirmed the presence of Hanta virus in the area.Meanwhile, one V Ramaianah of Vakadu mandal has also been diagnosed with the Hanta virus and is undergoing treatment at the Global Hospitals in Chennai.Experts say that the symptoms of Hanta virus are similar to those of dengue and influenza and are caused by rats. The virus is found in urine, saliva or feces of rat. High fever, chill, body pain and acute respiratory problems are said to be the symptoms of the disease. People are advised to approach a doctor immediately for treatment.The disease is not infectious and does not spread from person to person.The district medical and health department had initially denied the presence of Hanta virus but later admitted to its spread in some areas, particularly those around big godowns, where infestation of rats is pronounced.In-charge DMHO Dasaratharamaiah said there was no need for panic as every measure is being taken to address the problem. “We have constituted a five-member team to study the new disease,’’ he said.On the directions of the district collector, DM&HO officials are planning to conduct awareness camps across the district.