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Cause:
Sin Nombre
virus in western United States, other viruses elsewhere.
Illness and treatment:
Fever and mild
flu-like symptoms are followed by acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS) with respiratory failure and shock.
Treatment is supportive.
Sources:
The deer mouse (Peromyscus
maniculatus) is the major reservoir for Sin Nombre
virus. Exposure occurs by inhaling aerosolized virus
excreted in mouse urine, feces or saliva, particularly
during improper cleaning of deer mouse infested areas.
Prevention:
Keep rodents out of the home
and workplace.
When cleaning
rodent-infested areas, use appropriate safety precautions.
Recent Washington trends:
Since its
recognition in 1993 through 2008, 35 cases were reported
with 11 (32%) associated deaths. Each year there are 1 to 5
reports, mainly from eastern counties.
2008:
Two cases were reported;
exposures were in northwestern and central Washington.
Purpose of Reporting and Surveillance
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To characterize the epidemiology and
clinical aspects of this emerging disease.
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To monitor disease trends and recognize
outbreaks.
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To target prevention and control
messages.
Legal Reporting Requirements
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Health care providers: notifiable to
local health jurisdiction within 3 work days.
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Hospitals: notifiable to local health
jurisdiction within 3 work days.
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Laboratories: no requirements for
reporting.
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Local health jurisdictions: notifiable
to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section (CDES) within
7 days of case investigation completion or summary
information required within 21 days.
Last
update
November 2009 |
