Human diseases likely caused by hantaviruses were recognized at least as early as World War I, and were responsible for illness in over 3000 United Nations troops during the Korean conflict. However, it was not until 1976 that a Hantavirus was first isolated from a striped field mouse captured along the banks of the Hantaan River, near the border between North and South Korea. (RN 16)

Where exactly does the Hantavirus come from? The Hantavirus disease was virtually unknown in the Americas until 1993, when a physician at the Indian Health Service in New Mexico reported that two previously healthy young people had died from acute respiratory failure. Over the next few days, additional cases were identified by the State medical examiners office and by other IHS physicians. CDC eventually identified the new virus through improved tec

Who is at risk? Anything that puts you in contact with rodent droppings, urine or nesting materials can place you at risk for infection. These include such activities as opening up cabins and sheds or cleaning outbuildings that have been closed during the winter—such as barns, garages or storage facilities. Both activities mean you may directly touch rodents or their droppings and/or stir up the dust, and when you touch or inhale them, you're at risk for infection. Hikers and campers can also be exposed when they use infested trail shelters or camp in other rodent habitats. Construction and utility workers can be exposed when they work in crawl spaces under houses or in vacant buildings that may have a rodent population. Cleaning in and around your own home can put you at risk if rodents have made it their home, too. And many homes can expect to shelter a few rodents, especially when the weather turns cold. Overall, the chance of being exposed to hantavirus is greatest when people work, play or live in closed spaces where rodents are actively living. (CDC)

Through January 30, 2002, a total of 289 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome have been reported in the United States. This case count started when the disease was first recognized in May 1993. Thirty-eight percent of all reported cases have resulted in death. Of these 289 cases, 60% have been male and 40% female. The average age of confirmed case patients was 37 years old. Whites currently account for 78% of all cases. American Indians account for about 19% of cases, African Americans for 2% of cases, and Asians for 1% of cases. Cases have been reported in 31 states, including m

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