Two cases of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome--Randolph County, West Virginia, July 2004

Abstract

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare cardiopulmonary disease caused by viruses of the genus Hantavirus, for which rodents are the natural reservoir. Transmission to humans occurs by direct contact with rodents or their excreta or by inhalation of aerosolized infectious material (e.g., dust created by disturbing rodent nests). In July 2004, HPS cases (including one fatal case) were reported in two persons believed to have been exposed at sites approximately 12 miles apart in Randolph County, West Virginia (2000 population: 28,254). This report describes the two cases and summarizes their epidemiologic and environmental investigations. Clinicians and the public need to be educated about the risk for HPS and methods to reduce that risk.