A recent suspected hantavirus case in Illinois highlights that this potentially deadly virus is present in the United States.
Hantavirus in the U.S. vs. Cruise Ship Outbreak
Health officials emphasize that there are currently no cases in the U.S. linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak. The Andes strain that killed three passengers has not been detected in North America.
However, hantavirus does exist domestically, primarily in the form of the Sin Nombre virus, which can cause a severe and potentially fatal lung syndrome. Arizona has reported some of the highest numbers of infections, and recent research has identified emerging hotspots in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas.
Rodent Hosts and Research Findings
Research from Virginia Tech’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation shows that many rodent species, including the deer mouse, can carry hantavirus. Additional studies identified several new rodent species as potential virus hosts, including rodents in eastern states where human cases are rare.
Luis Escobar, an associate professor at Virginia Tech, explained that while human cases are uncommon in states like Virginia, rodent infections are more frequent than previously thought. His research focuses on how viruses jump from animals to humans and the potential for human-to-human transmission.
Fatality Rate and Pandemic Concerns
Certain strains of hantavirus have a fatality rate as high as 50 percent, which has raised concern among scientists. Escobar noted that if a strain with a high mortality rate were capable of human-to-human transmission, it could become a pandemic risk. Nevertheless, both the World Health Organization and the CDC stress that the Andes strain from the cruise ship does not currently pose a pandemic threat in the U.S.
Current Hantavirus Cases in the U.S.
Since 1993, the CDC has reported 890 hantavirus cases in the United States. Most have occurred in western states, with Colorado and New Mexico reporting more than 120 cases each. Arizona has recorded 92 cases, and California has 79. In contrast, Virginia, identified as a rodent hotspot, has reported only two human cases.
Approximately 35 percent of U.S. cases have resulted in death. Research indicates that dry conditions and warm temperatures, common in western states, increase the risk of exposure, as rodent excrement can become airborne. Encroachment into rodent habitats also raises the likelihood of infection because stressed rodents shed more virus.
Illinois Suspected Case and Recovery
The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a suspected case in which a person may have been exposed while cleaning a home containing rodent droppings. The individual experienced mild symptoms and is now recovering.
How to Stay Safe from Hantavirus
Experts advise avoiding direct contact with rodents and their droppings to reduce risk. When cleaning areas such as sheds, barns, or unused campsites, it is important to air out the space for at least 30 minutes. Rubber or plastic gloves should be worn, and while a face mask is not specifically required by the CDC for routine cleaning, it is recommended in higher-risk situations.
Sweeping or vacuuming should be avoided because it can release virus particles into the air. Contaminated surfaces and droppings should be disinfected using a bleach solution and left to soak for several minutes before cleaning.
Paper towels can be used to remove waste, which should be disposed of in a covered garbage container. Hard surfaces, including floors, countertops, and drawers, should also be disinfected. Hands should be washed thoroughly after removing gloves.
