Can Hantavirus Spread Through Breast Milk: These days a new concern is emerging regarding Hanta virus. It is being claimed in social media and many reports that this dangerous virus can also spread through breast milk and sperm. After this, fear has increased in the minds of people, especially in those families where there are small children or pregnant women. However, experts say that such cases are very rare and there is no need to panic without complete information.
When did this type of discussion start?
This discussion started after a study published in the journal Viruses in 2023. In this research, it was found that the viral RNA of Andes strain spread from rats can remain present in human sperm for many years after recovery. Scientists at Switzerland’s Spiez Laboratory said in their research that Andes virus can survive in the male reproductive tract for a long time, just like some other viruses like Ebola and Zika. Research has said that there may be a possibility of sexual transmission in Andes virus, but no such confirmed case has been reported so far.
Can infection occur even after recovery?
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convener of the Indian Medical Association Research Cell, told HealthandMe that finding virus RNA in sperm after recovery is not a new thing. According to him, this has been seen in at least 27 different viruses. Dr. Rajeev says, the testis is a part of the body which remains protected from the immune system to a great extent. For this reason some viruses can remain there for a long time. However, he clarified that only viral RNA was found in the research, not live virus. That is, there is no evidence yet that the virus can infect humans even after recovery.
Are there problems with breast milk?
A study had also raised concerns regarding breast milk. In the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s journal Emerging Infectious Disease Research, it was reported that the genome and proteins of Andes virus were found in the breast milk of an infected mother in Chile. Researchers believed that due to this there could be a possibility of the virus being transmitted from mother to child.
Common people do not need to fear excessively
But Dr. Amitav Banerjee, professor and epidemiologist of DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, told healthandme that such cases are very few. He told that cases of Hantavirus spreading through breast milk are very rare. Common people do not need to be excessively afraid. According to Dr. Amitav, in the initial high fever phase of the disease, the mother can stop breastfeeding for some time, because the viral load is high during that time. But it is not considered right to stop breastfeeding forever just because of fear.
Read this also – Healthy Aging Test: How strong is the body as it ages? This 30 second test will tell your real fitness
Big difference between Hantavirus and HIV
Experts say that there is a big difference between Hantavirus and HIV. HIV persists in body fluids for a long time, while Hantavirus is usually eliminated from the body after recovery. Dr. Amitav Banerjee also said that RT-PCR tests are very sensitive and sometimes detect only the dead particles of the virus. Therefore, if viral material is found in a test, it does not always mean that the person can still infect others. At present, experts do not have any strong evidence to prove that Hantavirus spreads sexually long after recovery.
Read this also – Restless Legs Syndrome: Tingling sensation in the legs as soon as you go to bed at night, this is a sign of this disease.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator
