Candance Turner

Reflective writing for research paper

Biology 1615-14
This article helped me think critically about the Hantavirus, by helping me understand the link
between the host and vector. I wanted to understand this virus because of losing my dad at a younger
age, and not really understanding how he contracted the virus. Now that I know the factors of when the
virus is more prevalent in effected rodents, it makes sense. My dad contracted it in February 1993, and
the article talked about how the season plays the most significant role in effecting a host. If you think
about it, the rodents are reproducing constantly, but the weather is colder in winter months. They are
in close contact with one another, and then the males are ranging further probably not only for food,
but for females to reproduce with. Then, the host comes in contact with the Hantavirus (like my dad)
when they are in close quarters cleaning out area where the infected rodents were more prevalent. He
breaths it in, and becomes infected, and then becomes very ill. He actually thought he had pneumonia,
especially with the time of year it was, but by the time they found out what it was, it had already
attacked his heart.
The knowledge that I gained by reading this study has helped me to understand a little about
what may have occurred prior to my dad contracting this virus. I was able to communicate the
information that I gathered with my mom, which shed light on the situation with her as well. I actually
looked to see if they had any other research that was done here in the United States, but was unable to
find a scientific journal about this topic. If I could turn the clock back in time, I would give this
knowledge to my dad and the other gentleman that contracted the Hantavirus. Unfortunately, that
cannot happen. I was grateful for the opportunity as well, to learn how to set up my E-portfolio.
Learning how to set up my E-portfolio will help me further with my education at SLCC.