Facing of Family Doctor with Hantavirus Infection

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hantavirus infection is manifested as an urgent, severe and life-threatening disease caused by Hantavirus. The virus affects human endothelial cells. The natural reservoir of the Hantaviruses is chronically infected rodents. Human infection is accidental. Occurs by intake of contaminated food or inhalation of contaminated secretion from infected rodents' excretions have an increased risk of contamination. The most affected persons are people who work in nature. The virus causes haemorrhages, fever and acute renal failure. The disease appears more frequently in endemic regions with the lethality of 6-15%. The disease can surprise doctors with severity, urgency and undefined clinical picture. Fast clinical evaluation, proper and urgent diagnosis and treatment can improve the safe life of these patients.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of 45 -year-old male patient worked as a shepherd on mountain Babuna near the city of Veles in the Republic of Macedonia at the end of the summer in the year 2017, presented with prolonged hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The clinical presentation and lab findings support the diagnosis of Hantavirus infection with acute renal failure.

CONCLUSION: It is necessary to raise the awareness of the family doctors for the hantavirus disease, especially in countries with sporadic cases, as in our country. It needs for prompt and timely diagnosis, timely hospitalisation and initiation of therapy.