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Human hantavirus infections, Sweden
Gert E Olsson1, Fredrik Dalerum, Birger Hörnfeldt
1Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden. Gert.Olsson@szooek.slu.se
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 14, 2004
Summary
Nephropathia epidemica, a hantavirus disease in Sweden, disproportionately affects middle-aged men in rural areas. Bank vole populations correlate with disease incidence, suggesting a link to rodent activity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Epidemiology
Background:
- Nephropathia epidemica is the primary human hantavirus disease in Sweden.
- It is caused by Puumala virus, which is transmitted by bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze temporal and spatial patterns of nephropathia epidemica in a highly endemic region of northern Sweden.
- To identify risk factors and exposure sites associated with Puumala virus infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2,468 reported nephropathia epidemica cases.
- Geographic mapping of exposure sites for a subset of cases (n=862).
- Correlation analysis between disease incidence and bank vole population data.
Main Results:
- Middle-aged men in rural, coastal areas were overrepresented among cases.
- Infections peaked in late autumn, often linked to activities in man-made rodent refuges.
- 50% of identified exposure sites were concentrated in 5% of the study area.
- Disease incidence showed a significant positive correlation with bank vole abundance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns and environmental correlations of nephropathia epidemica is crucial.
- Identifying high-risk populations and exposure scenarios can inform public health interventions.
- Monitoring bank vole populations may aid in predicting and preventing future outbreaks.