Question

Jeremy, a healthy 30-year-old, is spring cleaning his garage and sees clear signs or mice having spent the winter months inside. Several weeks later, he experiences severe muscle pain, headache, and fever, and his symptoms progress to include a disconcerting inability to catch his breath. He is hospitalized and diagnosed with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. What antiviral might save his life?

Answer 1

Jeremy has contracted Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a serious disease with no specific antiviral treatment available. Supportive care is the main form of management, and preventive measures are key due to the high mortality rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jeremy, diagnosed with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), is experiencing a critical illness with symptoms such as severe muscle pain, headache, fever, and difficulty breathing, which are characteristic of HPS, a disease associated with the hantavirus known as Sin Nombre. Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment approved for Hantavirus infections. Supportive care, which includes hospitalization, oxygen therapy, fluid management, and sometimes the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in severe cases, is the primary treatment. Early recognition and hospitalization are critical for improving the survival rate. Due to the high mortality rate of up to 50%, preventive measures, such as controlling rodent populations and avoiding exposure to rodent waste, are crucial.