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Hantavirus outbreak in Southwest

[unknown] Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 1998;47:449-52.

Heavy rains associated with El Niño have led to an increase in the rodent population, which may result in more cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the Southwest, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

The CDC has confirmed seven HPS cases from January through July, three of which were fatal.

First identified in 1993, the cardiopulmonary illness is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected rodents, rodent droppings or nests, or through inhalation of aerosolized virus particles from mouse urine and feces. Death occurs in about 45 percent of the cases.

Early symptoms include fever; myalgia, particularly in large muscle groups of the lower back; nausea; vomiting and diarrhea. Distinguishing signs of HPS include fever and myalgia associated with thrombocytopenia, presence of immunoblasts and hemoconcentration. A blood test can identify the virus' presence within hours.