Update on Emerging Infections From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Abstract

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a rodent-borne viral disease characterized by severe pulmonary illness and a case fatality ratio of 30% to 40%. Sin Nombre virus causes the majority of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases in the United States, and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) is its predominant reservoir. This report describes an increase in human cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome reported during January to March 2006 from Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, and Washington State. The findings emphasize the need for renewed attention to reducing the risk for hantavirus exposure.