As of July 2007, six states had reported 30 or more cases of Hantavirus since 1993 - New Mexico (69), Colorado (49), Arizona (46), California (43), Texas (33), and Washington (31). Other states reporting a significant number of cases include Montana (25), Idaho (19), and Utah (24). With only 7 cases, Oregon has a notably lower attack rate overall and relative to population, compared to other Western states.
[edit] Weaponization
Korean hemorrhagic fever (Hantavirus) was one of three hemorrhagic fevers and one of more than a dozen agents that the United States researched as potential biological weapons before suspending its biological weapons program.[1]
[edit] Symptoms
[edit] Renal syndrome
Hantavirus has an incubation time of 24 weeks in humans, before symptoms of infection occur. These symptoms can be split into five phases:
Febrile phase: Symptoms include fever, chills, sweaty palms, explosive diarrhea, malaise, headaches, nausea, abdominal and back pain, respiratory problems such as the ones common in the influenza virus, as well as gastro-intestinal problems. These symptoms normally occur for 37 days.
Hypotensive phase: This occurs when the blood platelet levels drop and symptoms can lead to tachycardia and hypoxemia. This phase can last for 2 days.
Oliguric phase: This phase lasts for 37 days and is characterised by the onset of renal failure and proteinuria occurs.
Diuretic phase: This is characterized by diuresis of 36L per day, which can last for a couple of days up to weeks.
Convalescent phase: This is normally when recovery occurs and symptoms begin to improve.
[edit] Hantavirus (cardio-)pulmonary syndrome
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. HPS was first recognized in 1993 and has since been identified throughout the United States. Although rare, HPS is potentially deadly. Rodent control in and around the home remains the primary strategy for preventing hantavirus infection.
These symptoms, which are very similar to HFRS, include tachycardia and tachypnea. Such conditions can lead to a cardiopulmonary phase, where cardiovascular shock can occur, and hospitalization of the patient is required