Why in the News
Health authorities in South Africa detected the Andes strain of hantavirus in passengers linked to a cruise ship outbreak off Cape Verde. The Andes virus is notable because it can spread from human to human in rare cases.
About Hantavirus
- A group of viruses mainly spread by:
- Rodents
- Humans may become infected through:
- Contact with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings
- Contaminated air particles
Andes Virus
- A specific strain of hantavirus
- Found mainly in:
- Argentina
- Chile
Symptoms of Hantavirus Infection
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Respiratory distress in severe cases
| [2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently? (a) Syria and Jordan (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam |
