Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
INCREASING ZOONOTIC INFECTION RISK DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE: HANTAVIRUS AND NURSING APPROACH , Priştine, Kosova, 12 - 14 Haziran 2026, ss.81-84, (Özet Bildiri)
Hantavirus infections have recently re-emerged as one of the significant zoonotic infections on the global health agenda due to climate change, environmental transformations, and increasing human– wildlife interaction. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and disruption of ecological balance increase rodent populations, thereby elevating the risk of hantavirus transmission (Jiang et al., 2017). Current literature indicates that hantaviruses are among the zoonotic infections most sensitive to climate change (WHO, 2023). Hantavirus infections may present with fever, myalgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and severe pulmonary complications, while Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome is particularly notable for its high mortality rates (MacNeil et al., 2011). Recent studies have shown that individuals living in rural areas, agricultural workers, and people engaged in nature-based activities constitute high-risk groups (CDC, 2024). In addition, advanced age, pulmonary involvement, and delayed diagnosis have been identified as significant factors increasing mortality risk (Joshi, 2024). Current literature reports that there is no proven specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections, and treatment is mainly based on supportive care (Vial et al., 2023). Studies indicate that early diagnosis, close clinical monitoring, and infection control practices play a critical role in reducing mortality. In this process, nurses play an important role in monitoring vital signs, evaluating oxygenation, maintaining fluid-electrolyte balance, implementing isolation precautions, and early detection of complications (Vial et al., 2023; Tortosa et al., 2026). In particular, monitoring oxygen therapy, secretion management, fluid follow-up, and holistic intensive care practices in patients with respiratory distress have been reported to positively affect patient prognosis (CDC, 2024; Chandy & Mathai, 2017). Furthermore, current literature emphasizes that nursing education on infection control and outbreak management increases healthcare professionals’ knowledge levels, strengthens compliance with preventive practices, and supports community awareness (WHO, 2023). This review aims to evaluate the relationship between climate change and hantavirus infections, their current clinical effects, and the importance of nursing care in light of current literature, while increasing healthcare professionals’ awareness and contributing to infection control practices. Keywords: Hantavirus, zoonotic infection, nursing care, climate change.