A recent suspected case of hantavirus in Illinois highlights the presence of this potentially deadly virus in the U.S. Although no cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak have been recorded in the U.S., concern remains. The Andes strain, which led to the deaths of three cruise passengers, has not been detected in North America.
In the U.S., the Sin Nombre virus is the prevalent strain, causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This virus spreads from rodents to humans when particles from the animals’ urine, saliva, or feces become airborne. Arizona has the highest number of cases, but Virginia, Colorado, and Texas are emerging hotspots.
Rodent Hosts and Regional Concerns
Up to 15 rodent species, including the deer mouse, are potential hantavirus carriers in the U.S. These species are prevalent in Virginia, Colorado, and Texas as per research from Virginia Tech. The study, published in the journal Ecosphere, found six new species as potential hosts, some located in eastern states where human cases are rare.
Associate professor Luis Escobar from Virginia Tech explained the study aims to understand how viruses transition from animals to humans, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Some hantavirus strains have fatality rates as high as 50%. Escobar warns human-to-human transmission could make hantavirus a candidate for the next pandemic.
Health Officials’ View and Seasonality
Experts from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention see no evidence that a pandemic is starting from the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship. The Andes strain is the only one known for human-to-human transmission.
As temperatures rise, routine cases of hantavirus may increase. Dr. David Fitter from the CDC emphasized these seasonal cases differ from the MV Hondius outbreak.
“It is important for everyone to understand that these routine seasonal cases are separate from the MV Hondius outbreak,” Fitter said.
Case Data and Risk Understanding
Since 1993, 890 hantavirus cases have been reported in the U.S., mostly in western states. Colorado and New Mexico each reported over 120 cases, Arizona 92, and California 79. Virginia’s two cases were recorded in 1993 and 2021. Approximately 35% of cases in America resulted in death.
Research by Morgan Gorris at Los Alamos National Laboratory shows people in arid, western regions face higher infection risks. Dry, warm weather helps rodent excrement become airborne.
Safety Precautions Against Hantavirus
To minimize hantavirus risk, avoid contact with rodents and their droppings. Experts suggest measures for cleaning places like campsites and sheds:
- Ventilate areas for 30 minutes by opening windows and doors.
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Avoid vacuuming or sweeping droppings.
- Disinfect with a solution of 1 1/2 cups of bleach per gallon of water. Allow soaking for five minutes.
- Dispose of used paper towels in covered garbage containers.
- Use disinfectant on hard surfaces like floors and countertops.
- Wash gloved hands, remove gloves, and wash hands again thoroughly.
These precautions aim to prevent hantavirus exposure and ensure safety.
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