Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

An outbreak of a severe pulmonary disease in the Four Corners area of the US occurred in 1993. Several previously healthy people died of the as yet mysterious illness, which was identified as being caused by an unknown (as yet unnamed) virus, thereafter called Sin Nombre Virus. The infection is carried by rodents and is transmitted through inhalation.

Summary

• Cause: Sin Nombre Virus (Hantavirus)
• Transmission: aerosol from mouse droppings
• Symptoms: fever, muscle aches, pulmonary edema
• Pathogenesis: Cytopathic infection of lung tissue causing hemorrhage and pulmonary edema
• Complications: death
• Treatment: supportive
• Vaccine: no

References

• http://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hps/history.html