Hantavirus exposure risk may be higher than believed in parts of US, study finds
Dr. Sonja Bartolome, an expert in pulmonary and critical care at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, pointed out that since national tracking began in 1993, the illness has remained rare, with 864 cases reported between 1993 and 2022.
“Most cases have occurred in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, and 94% have been reported in states west of the Mississippi River,” Bartolome, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
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“It is important to conduct research that expands our understanding of how the virus spreads,” she went on. “Studies like this – which obtain and compare viral genetic sequences across regions and animals – help clarify how the virus moves geographically and between species.”
The researchers recommend efforts to prevent rodent exposure for living and farming in rural areas. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File)
Although similar findings have been reported in other regions, this is the first study to reveal the pattern in this part of the country, Bartolome noted.
“Because humans most commonly contract hantavirus through exposure to aerosolized rodent urine or droppings, precautions remain essential when cleaning areas with evidence of rodent activity,” she added.
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The study presented some limitations, primarily that it only measured the infection in rodents and did not evaluate human transmission risk.
Additionally, the samples were only taken in the Palouse region and may not be generalized to all the Pacific Northwest.
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The research was also conducted during a single season, which means the conclusions don’t reflect year-round data.
The study suggests the need for expanded hantavirus monitoring in the Pacific Northwest, especially in agricultural areas.
The study presented some limitations, primarily that it only measured the infection in rodents and did not evaluate human transmission risk. (iStock)
The researchers recommend efforts to prevent rodent exposure for living and farming in rural areas. Longer-term studies could help clarify how environmental conditions and seasonal changes affect prevalence of the virus, they added.
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“People may be exposed more often than we realize, but severe cases are more likely to be tested for hantavirus,” said Pilar Fernandez, a co-author on the study and a disease ecologist in the Allen School whose research focuses on the eco-epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, in the release.
“Understanding that gap — how exposure translates into disease — is the next big step.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/hantavirus-exposure-risk-may-higher-believed-parts-us-study-finds