A ten-year study by Brazilian scientists revealed that the highest death rate from fever caused by the Hantavirus is recorded among teenagers aged 15 to 19.
According to researchers, the mortality rate in this age group is approximately 50% of infected cases. In contrast, the lowest mortality rate is recorded among patients over 65 years of age, at around 11%.
Experts link these differences in mortality rates to the nature of the immune response in different age groups, as the immune activity in young people is more intense, while it gradually declines with age, which is reflected in the development of the disease.
Commenting on these findings, immunologist Dr. Mikhail Volkov says:
"These data can be explained by the fact that young people are often more exposed to environments contaminated with rodents, such as while exercising outdoors or working in agriculture. They also have a stronger immune response, which in some cases of hemorrhagic fever may lead to a worsening of symptoms. There is also a possibility of a delay in diagnosis, while the speed of medical intervention and control of the inflammation is crucial."
It should be noted that the study included 177 cases of Hantavirus infection, with 89.7% of cases requiring hospitalization. The overall average mortality rate across all age groups was 33.3%.
According to the data, symptoms appeared approximately 3.5 days after the first medical visit, while patients recovered in about eight days. The most common symptoms were fever, headache, and muscle pain.
