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Colorado Man Dies From Hantavirus: How This Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Attacks the Human Body

Colorado Man Dies From Hantavirus: How This Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Attacks the Human Body
Colorado Man Dies From Hantavirus: How This Rare Rodent-Borne Virus Attacks the Human Body

New Delhi, May 19: Health officials in Colorado have confirmed the death of a man from Douglas County after he developed severe hantavirus symptoms linked to rodent exposure. The case has renewed global attention on the rare but potentially deadly virus following a recent outbreak connected to a South American cruise voyage.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare infection spread mainly through contact with infected rodents, particularly their urine, saliva, or droppings. Humans often become infected after inhaling contaminated particles in enclosed spaces such as garages, cabins, and storage areas.

In North America, the virus is commonly linked to deer mice and can cause severe respiratory illness.

Colorado Case Raises Concern

Authorities said the Colorado victim was infected with the Sin Nombre strain, a hantavirus variant commonly found in parts of the United States. Officials clarified that the case is unrelated to the recent South American cruise ship outbreak involving the Andes strain.

The Andes variant is considered especially dangerous because it can spread through close human contact, unlike the Sin Nombre strain.

How the Virus Affects the Human Body

Symptoms usually begin with fever, fatigue, body pain, headaches, and stomach discomfort. However, the condition can worsen rapidly within days.

The virus triggers an extreme immune reaction that damages blood vessels and fills the lungs with fluid, leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Patients may experience severe breathing difficulty, chest tightness, low oxygen levels, and respiratory failure.

Why the Disease Is So Dangerous

Health experts estimate that severe hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has a fatality rate of around 35–40% in the United States. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment available.

Critical patients often require oxygen support, intensive care, and mechanical ventilation to survive.

Prevention Remains the Best Protection

Experts recommend avoiding direct exposure to rodents and ventilating enclosed spaces before cleaning. Protective masks and gloves should be used in rodent-prone environments, while dry sweeping should be avoided to prevent virus particles from becoming airborne.

Drugs Destroying Youth, Financing Terrorism: LG Sinha in Pulwama

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Srinagar, May 19 (NVI) : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said drug trafficking was not only destroying the lives of youth and families but was also being used to fund terrorism, asserting that the entire narcotics network would be eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a padyatra in Pulwama under the Nasha Mukht J&K Abhiyan, Sinha said the administration was committed to eliminating the drug menace and taking strict action against peddlers and smugglers.

“Drugs are destroying the lives of youth and tearing apart families. They are also funding terrorism. We must unite to dismantle this entire network,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor assured people that authorities would intensify efforts against drug traffickers and appealed to the youth to actively support the anti-drug campaign.

Officials, students, civil society members and local residents participated in the padyatra and pledged support for making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.(NVI)

US to give Apache Helicopter Support Package of $198.2 million to India

Naval Anti-ship Short-Range Missile launched from a Navy helicopter
Naval Anti-ship Short-Range Missile launched from a Navy helicopter

Washington, May 19: (NVI) : The United States has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale worth an estimated USD 198.2 million to India for follow-on support services and related equipment for AH-64E Apache helicopters, the U.S. Department of State said.

According to the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, the proposed package includes Apache sustainment support services, engineering, technical and logistics support from the U.S. government and contractors, technical data and publications, personnel training, and other elements of logistics and programme support.

The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified the U.S. Congress of the proposed sale.

The U.S. said the proposed deal would support its foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the U.S.-India strategic partnership and enhancing the security of a major defence partner in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

“The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats,” the statement said, adding that India would have no difficulty integrating the support services into its armed forces.

The statement further noted that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors for the deal will be Boeing Company of Arlington, Virginia, and Lockheed Martin of Orlando, Florida.

The U.S. also stated that the proposed sale would have no adverse impact on American defence readiness.(NVI)

Advisor CM Reviews Jammu Smart City Projects, Calls for Completion Before Amarnath Yatra

Jammu, May 19 (NVI): Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Tuesday reviewed key infrastructure projects being executed under Jammu Smart City Limited and directed officials to ensure completion of major works ahead of the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra.

During the visit, the Advisor inspected the TATA e-Bus Depot being developed under the FAME-II initiative and reviewed progress on the PM e-Bus Sewa project. Officials informed him that the electric bus infrastructure is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore to strengthen eco-friendly public transport facilities in Jammu city.

Accompanied by Director Projects Sunil Thusu, Dr. Devansh Yadav and other senior officials, Wani appreciated the efforts being made to modernise urban transport infrastructure and said the Smart City initiatives are transforming Jammu into a cleaner and more organised urban centre.

He directed the concerned authorities to ensure early completion and inauguration of the PM e-Bus Sewa project and stressed that all developmental works should be executed in mission mode.

Later, the Advisor visited the upcoming Waste to Wonder Park project and expressed satisfaction over the artistic monuments being created from recycled waste material. He also interacted with artisans and workers associated with the project and appreciated their creativity and dedication.

Describing the park as a unique addition to Jammu city, Wani said the initiative would promote tourism, environmental awareness and public recreation.

Officials informed him that the project is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 11 crore and is likely to be completed by the end of June 2026. However, the Advisor directed authorities to make all possible efforts to complete the project before the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra so that pilgrims and tourists can also visit the attraction.

According to officials, nearly 80 per cent physical progress of the project has already been achieved. The park will feature 14 replica monuments created from scrap and recycled materials, including seven international monuments, five national landmarks and two monuments representing Uttar Pradesh.

Officials said the park would be the first-of-its-kind in Jammu and is envisioned as a major recreational and educational destination for tourists, school children and local residents while also promoting waste recycling and environmental sustainability.

Reiterating the government’s commitment towards accelerated urban development, Wani said efforts are underway to transform Jammu into a modern and citizen-friendly city equipped with sustainable infrastructure and improved public amenities.(NVI)

EOW Kashmir Conducts Raids in Budgam Over Rs 93 Lakh Land Fraud Case

Srinagar, May 19 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir on Tuesday conducted raids in Budgam district in connection with an alleged land fraud case involving nearly Rs 93 lakh, officials said.

The searches were carried out at Semsaan area of Budgam in connection with FIR No. 17/2026 registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against two accused persons — Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar of Jawalpora Budgam and Soom Nath Koul of Bangalore North, Karnataka, and Janipur Jammu, they said.

According to officials, the complainant was allegedly duped into purchasing five kanals of migrant land at Drusu in Pulwama along with 300 standing trees in Bijbehara through fake sale agreements and fabricated documents.

Investigations revealed that Soom Nath Koul allegedly posed as the authorised attorney holder of the original landowners, while co-accused Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar acted as a witness during the transactions, officials said.

The probe further found that neither the land nor the trees belonged to the accused persons, indicating a planned conspiracy to cheat the complainant of a huge amount, they added.

Officials said the raids were conducted in the presence of Executive Magistrates to seize incriminating material and collect further evidence related to the case.

The Crime Branch said further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, the EOW advised the public to remain cautious against economic frauds and report such incidents to the SSP EOW Srinagar.(NVI)

Suspected Mortar Shell Recovered in Jammu Village

Representational Image

Jammu, May 19 (NVI): A suspected to be a 51 mm mortar shell, was recovered near a residential area in Gulabgarh locality of Jammu district on Tuesday, officials said.

According to officials, the suspected mortar shell was found near the house  and resident of Nai Basti Gulabgarh. Following the recovery, police and security agencies rushed to the spot and secured the area.

They said the shell appeared old and rusted and is believed to be a blind shell. A bomb disposal squad was informed for further examination and safe disposal of the explosive material.

Further investigation is underway.(NVI)

1 Killed, 11 Injured After Bus Overturns in J&K’s Ramban

Jammu, May 19 (NVI): One person was killed and 11 others injured after a passenger bus overturned on the Gool-Sangaldan road in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.

The accident took place near Sangaldan when the bus, bearing registration number JK02CU-7482, allegedly went out of the driver’s control and overturned along the roadside, they said.

Soon after the incident, police, local residents and rescue teams launched a rescue operation and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Officials said one passenger succumbed to injuries, while the condition of some of the injured persons is stated to be serious.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further investigation, officials added.(NVI)

CS Reviews Arrangements for Smooth, Safe Conduct of Machail Mata Yatra

Srinagar, May 19 (NVI): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed the arrangements being put in place for the smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of the annual Machail Mata Yatra scheduled to begin in August in the mountainous Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Chairing a high-level meeting, Dulloo assessed preparations related to sanitation, water and power supply, medical facilities, transport management and emergency response measures for the pilgrimage, they said.

The meeting was attended by senior officers, including the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Principal Secretary Home, Director General Fire and Emergency Services, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Inspector General of Police Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar and other concerned officials.

Officials said the Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of measures recommended after last year’s disaster incident along the yatra route.

These include introduction of online and RFID-based registration systems, installation of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for real-time weather alerts and formulation of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pilgrim safety and movement management, they said.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar informed the meeting that accommodation facilities at Kishtwar headquarters, Gulabgarh, Chishoti and Machail were being strengthened to cater to the expected rush of pilgrims.

Government accommodations, private lodgings, homestays and tented facilities are being augmented, while a dedicated tent city is also being established at Machail, officials said.

The administration is also focusing on crowd management and real-time monitoring of pilgrims through 100 per cent online registration and RFID-enabled tracking systems, they added.

The Chief Secretary directed departments concerned to maintain strict vigil and ensure immediate response to any weather-related emergencies during the pilgrimage.

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma briefed the meeting on traffic and transport management plans, including designated parking areas, regulation of vehicular movement and ensuring uninterrupted access for emergency response vehicles.

Officials said medical camps, ambulance services, emergency response teams and first-aid facilities would be set up at key locations along the yatra route.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to drinking water supply, uninterrupted electricity, communication facilities, sanitation and solid waste management for the pilgrimage, they added.(NVI)

Suspicious Balloon Recovered in Jammu’s Raipur Area, Handed Over to Police

Indian Army jawan injured in Landmine Explosion Along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir
File Photo

Jammu, May 19 (NVI): A suspicious balloon, suspected to have drifted from across the border, was recovered from the Raipur area of Jammu on Tuesday, officials said.

According to officials, the balloon was noticed by an ex-serviceman, who immediately informed the authorities about the suspicious object.

The balloon was later handed over to Police Post Chinnor for further examination and necessary action, they said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the origin and nature of the balloon, officials added.(NVI)

Thundershowers, Hailstorm Lash North Kashmir; Kupwara Among Worst Hit

Rainfall
Representational image

Srinagar, May 19 (NVI): Late night and early morning thundershowers lashed several parts of north Kashmir, while intense rainfall accompanied by hailstorm was recorded in a few areas, particularly in Kupwara district, officials said on Tuesday.

The sudden change in weather brought heavy showers to various areas across the Valley’s northern region, leading to a sharp dip in temperature.

Officials said Kupwara district witnessed intense showers along with hailstorm in some areas, causing inconvenience to residents. However, there were no immediate reports of any major damage or casualties.

Weather department officials have advised people to remain cautious, especially in vulnerable areas, as intermittent rainfall is likely to continue in parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next few hours.(NVI)

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