The hantavirus outbreak concerns me as someone with rare diseases
While my risk of infection is fairly low, I can't help but worry
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The COVID-19 lockdown was one of the most unprecedented events in recent history. We were dealing with a strange virus, being urged to wear face masks, and suddenly seeing hand-washing ads everywhere. Parties and sporting events were canceled, and bars and clubs shut down. And now, several years later, whispers of another lockdown are starting to swirl on the internet.
A Dutch-flagged cruise ship has recently been in the news due to an outbreak of hantavirus, an infection spread mainly by rodents that can cause serious illness and death. As of this writing, three of the ship’s passengers have died from the outbreak, and dozens of others may have been exposed.
For someone like me living with rare and chronic diseases, any kind of infection or illness is terrifying. My suppressed immune system can’t fight them off, and it’s possible an infection could trigger flare-ups of my diseases.
That’s how I nearly died in 2020. COVID-19 activated three rare conditions at the same time in my body: immune thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. I was admitted to the intensive care unit in multiorgan failure and needed 18 blood transfusions, dialysis, plasmapheresis, immunizations, and, eventually, biweekly infusions of a monoclonal antibody called Soliris (eculizumab).
Soliris suppresses my immune system, meaning my body can’t fight off infections. I’ve suffered from lupus for most of my life, so it’s always been easy for me to get sick. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I wore a mask, washed and sanitized my hands constantly, disinfected groceries before bringing them into the house, did pickup orders whenever possible, and pretty much just stayed at home. But I still caught COVID-19.
Now, any disease outbreak worries me
To say I’m worried about the hantavirus outbreak is an understatement. An asymptomatic bout of COVID-19 changed my body permanently. I lost everything I’d earned and built, and will be sick and need treatment for the rest of my life (unless a cure comes along).
I have been keeping up with news about the outbreak, including confirmed and suspected cases. Health officials are now monitoring passengers who have returned home to the U.S.
The good news is that, according to Forbes, “[World Health Organization] officials have said the Andes variant of the hantavirus … will not cause a global outbreak on the scale of the coronavirus because it spreads very differently.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a statement on May 6, saying, “At this time, the risk to the American public is extremely low.”
Still, it concerns me that hantavirus has no specific treatment or cure. It can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, and acute kidney failure. The latter especially worries me because I have permanent kidney damage and am on the brink of needing dialysis again.
So, I’ve been asking myself: Would I be ready for another lockdown? What could I do differently to ensure my family’s safety? What could I do to evade infection?
If we ever face another lockdown, I’d at least be prepared. Extreme couponing has allowed me to amass a stockpile of goods. Consistent health monitoring also ensures my team catches any changes or issues early. And I always work to stay informed. But I still hope this scary situation resolves quickly.
Note: Bleeding Disorders News is strictly a news and information website about the syndrome. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Bleeding Disorders News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to bleeding disorders.Â
