Missouri Health Experts Offer Comfort Amid Hantavirus Alert

It's hard to share something like this without causing alarm, but even with a new warning from Missouri health officials about the new hantavirus threat, there's no need for panic.

This new bulletin from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services addresses the concerns about the oftentimes fatal Hantavirus. This new alert just dropped a few days ago says this. I'm going to share their exact words so I don't misrepresent what they're trying to communicate about this important issue. I have added emphasis, though:

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and health departments about a new cluster of hantavirus disease cases caused by infection with Andes virus. Hantavirus disease can cause severe illness and can be fatal. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for imported cases, although the risk of broad spread to the United States is considered extremely unlikely at this time."

However, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has advised health care providers to be aware of the symptoms and contact them if they have a patient that might have contracted the virus.

Here are some facts to consider:

• Hantavirus is actually a family of viruses that can be contracted from rodents
• It is often serious and has a high fatality rate
• The Andes virus is the only type of Hantavirus that can be spread person-to-person
• This isn't common in most cases sadly due to the fact that many who contract this virus die quickly

Bottom line is to be aware that this virus exists and it is dangerous, but don't go buying all of the toilet paper and M&M's off of shelves again. There are NO reported cases in Missouri. This is just an advisory for health care professionals to be watchful. End of story.