Nephropathia epidemica (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome) in Scandinavia

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Nephrology
• * Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• * Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a zoonotic disease prevalent in Scandinavia.
• * It is caused by the Puumala virus, with the bank vole as its primary animal reservoir.
• * NE typically affects men and exhibits cyclical incidence patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To describe the epidemiology and clinical presentation of Nephropathia epidemica in Scandinavia.
• * To outline the typical course and outcomes of NE in affected individuals.

Main Methods:

• * Review of clinical data and epidemiological patterns of NE in the Scandinavian region.
• * Analysis of common symptoms, laboratory findings, and patient recovery timelines.

Main Results:

• * NE presents with acute symptoms including fever, headache, back pain, and renal impairment (oliguria/polyuria).
• * Hemorrhagic manifestations occur in about one-third of cases; severe complications like DIC are rare (up to 5%).
• * Thrombocytopenia is common, and renal function is significantly impaired during the acute phase.

Conclusions:

• * Nephropathia epidemica in Scandinavia, while similar to other hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome forms, generally follows a milder clinical course.
• * The disease has a low case-fatality rate (approx. 0.2%) and most patients achieve recovery within six months.
• * Understanding NE's clinical spectrum is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in endemic areas.