Hantavirus cases soar in Luxembourg

People in Luxembourg are being urged to protect themselves against the hantavirus, after the number of cases reported in the country rose significantly.

The disease is caused by a virus, which is transmitted to humans by rodents, for example the bank vole and field mouse.

Hantavirus symptoms include fever, head-aches, muscle pain, back pain and slight vision impairment.

In certain patients, it can lead to kidney problems, blood in the urine and even renal failure.

Luxembourg's Health Department said in a press released that the number of cases is higher than in previous years.

This is thought to be a result of the large number of rodents in the country.

The virus is resistant and can be transmitted to humans primarily through the inhalation of dust containing the virus.

Occasionally, it can also be transmitted through a rodent bite. The virus in not transmissable from human to human, however.

To prevent spread of the disease, the Health Department urges people to follow basic hygiene practices, by washing hands before eating, wearing a mask and gloves when handling dry wood, disposing of dead rodents in the rubbish and preventing rodents from entering homes using mouse-traps, for example.

Anyone who thinks they may have the hantavirus should consult their doctor.

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