A 45-YEAR-OLD truck driver surnamed Chen was diagnosed with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) after drinking an iced, canned beverage, Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

He was discharged from the Longhua District People’s Hospital on Monday after receiving continuous renal replacement therapy.

Chen said that he felt uncomfortable and had pains in his legs not long after he consumed the drink he bought from a convenience store. He also showed symptoms such as fever and chills.

Chen eventually went to the hospital when there was no sign of a recovery from self-prescribed medicine.

Chen had been vomiting for four days and had red skin on his neck and chest when he arrived at the hospital.

HFRS is mainly caused by foodborne pathogens of animal origin. The virus is usually transmitted from the host animal’s blood, saliva, urine or excrement.

Human infection is most often caused by viruses in mice. The disease can be spread through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, physical contact and via insects, according to the report.

Experts observed that the can that Chen bought might have been polluted by a mouse during transportation or while in storage.

In 2018, a deliveryman in Nanjing also suffered from HFRS after drinking an iced beverage that was later confirmed as tainted by mice, the report said.

The major measure to prevent HFRS is mouse control. Citizens are advised to clean the can before drinking, or use a straw to enjoy a beverage.  (Wang Jingli)