Respiratory virus cases on rise in western US

Between January and March of this year, health departments from Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, and Washington State reported an increased incidence of a respiratory viral infection, called human hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Human hantavirus infection follows exposure to the virus in rodent saliva or feces.

Previous experience with early increases in hantavirus infection suggests that the total number of cases will be high throughout 2006, according to a report in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. D. Engelthaler, from the Arizona Department of Health Services, and associates confirm that nine cases of human HPS were documented between January and March, six of which occurred in Arizona and New Mexico.

The years 1994 and 1999 were also characterized by a higher incidence of HPS during the first quarter, and subsequent increases in human HPS cases. During those years, increased rainfall during the previous year had caused increased vegetative biomass, which in turn promoted increased rodent populations susceptible to Hantavirus.

So far, the only treatment for HPS is supportive care, and survival depends on early recognition, hospitalization, and intensive support. Even with treatment, human HPS has a mortality rate of 30 to 40 percent.

Transmission of hantavirus to humans can be prevented with comprehensive rodent-control measures, including sealing holes in buildings, trapping rodents, cleaning up potential rodent food sources and nesting areas, and avoiding contamination when cleaning.

More information can be obtained at http://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus.

SOURCE: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, June 9, 2006.

Print Version
Tell-a-Friend