ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: During 2017, a multistate outbreak investigation occurred after the confirmation of Seoul virus (SEOV) infections in people and pet rats. A total of 147 humans and 897 rats were tested. METHODS: In addition to immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM serology and traditional reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), novel quantitative RT-PCR primers/probe were developed, and whole genome sequencing was performed. RESULTS: Seventeen people had SEOV IgM, indicating recent infection; 7 reported symptoms and 3 were hospitalized. All patients recovered. Thirty-one facilities in 11 US states had SEOV infection, and among those with ≥10 rats tested, rat IgG prevalence ranged 2%-70% and SEOV RT-PCR positivity ranged 0%-70%. Human laboratory-confirmed cases were significantly associated with rat IgG positivity and RT-PCR positivity (P = .03 and P = .006, respectively). Genomic sequencing identified >99.5% homology between SEOV sequences in this outbreak, and these were >99% identical to SEOV associated with previous pet rat infections in England, the Netherlands, and France. Frequent trade of rats between home-based ratteries contributed to transmission of SEOV between facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Pet rat owners, breeders, and the healthcare and public health community should be aware and take steps to prevent SEOV transmission in pet rats and to humans. Biosecurity measures and diagnostic testing can prevent further infections.
Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome/transmission , Rodent Diseases/transmission , Seoul virus/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Animals , Breeding , Child , Child, Preschool , Clinical Laboratory Techniques/veterinary , Disease Outbreaks/veterinary , Genome, Viral/genetics , Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome/diagnosis , Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome/epidemiology , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Infant , Middle Aged , Pets/virology , Phylogeny , Prevalence , RNA, Viral/genetics , Rats , Rodent Diseases/diagnosis , Rodent Diseases/epidemiology , Seoul virus/classification , Seoul virus/genetics , Seoul virus/immunology , United States/epidemiology , Viral Zoonoses/diagnosis , Viral Zoonoses/epidemiology , Viral Zoonoses/transmission , Young AdultABSTRACT
In summer 2012, an outbreak of hantavirus infections occurred among overnight visitors to Yosemite National Park in California, USA. An investigation encompassing clinical, epidemiologic, laboratory, and environmental factors identified 10 cases among residents of 3 states. Eight case-patients experienced hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, of whom 5 required intensive care with ventilatory support and 3 died. Staying overnight in a signature tent cabin (9 case-patients) was significantly associated with becoming infected with hantavirus (p<0.001). Rodent nests and tunnels were observed in the foam insulation of the cabin walls. Rodent trapping in the implicated area resulted in high trap success rate (51%), and antibodies reactive to Sin Nombre virus were detected in 10 (14%) of 73 captured deer mice. All signature tent cabins were closed and subsequently dismantled. Continuous public awareness and rodent control and exclusion are key measures in minimizing the risk for hantavirus infection in areas inhabited by deer mice.
