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Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Wisconsin
1Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison 53792, USA.
Abstract:
In the spring of 1993 an outbreak of a new illness caused by a new pathogen was identified in the southwestern United States. This infection struck relatively young, healthy individuals, was characterized by fever, myalgias, respiratory failure, and a high mortality rate. This illness was caused by a new hantavirus and has been termed hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The virus is carried by rodents, shed in saliva, urine, and feces. Human infection occurs through inhalation of aerosolized virus. The clinical syndrome has many non-specific signs and symptoms, but does follow a typical course with characteristic laboratory and radiographic findings. Early recognition of this infection is important so maximal supportive care can be initiated. We report the first documented case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Insights
A new hantavirus caused hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness in young adults. Early recognition and supportive care are crucial for managing this rodent-borne infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Virology
Background:
- An outbreak of a novel illness occurred in the southwestern US in 1993.
- The illness, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), affected young, healthy individuals and had a high mortality rate.
- HPS is caused by a hantavirus transmitted by rodents through inhalation of aerosolized virus.