Washington DC records two confirmed hantavirus cases as Virginia reports last case in 2021
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 7
Washington DC records two confirmed hantavirus cases as Virginia reports last case in 2021
8 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 7
CDC data show the two DC cases were locally acquired Seoul hantavirus infections in 2018, while Maryland has recorded two cases since 1993 and Virginia one.
Both DC patients were hospitalised with serious rodent-linked illness and survived, and a 2019 Maryland patient was also hospitalised after several days of fever, fatigue and cough.
Officials say there is no sign of active regional concern, but the review follows a deadly cruise ship outbreak that renewed attention on the rare virus, which can cause severe respiratory and heart complications.
A rare hantavirus now spreads between people. Could this cruise ship outbreak become a new global health threat?
After another deadly outbreak at sea, can the cruise industry be trusted to prevent the next floating pandemic?