CDC alerts clinicians about potential for imported hantavirus cases

The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) health advisory on hantavirus, urging clinicians to be aware of the potential for imported cases of hantavirus disease in connection with an outbreak of Andes virus aboard a cruise ship.

While the risk of broad spread in the U.S. is “considered extremely unlikely at this time,” the agency noted that early symptoms can be easily confused with influenza or other viral illnesses. In addition, the virus may not be accurately detected in body secretions and excretions within the first 72 hours of symptom onset, so testing should be repeated after that window, the agency warned.

About 30 passengers disembarked the ship on April 24, returning to their home countries, including several Americans. Several state health departments — including Arizona, California, Georgia, Texas, and Virgina — confirmed to MedPage Today that they are monitoring individuals in their respective states. New Jersey also is monitoring two people who were on the same flight as a woman who was symptomatic on board and later died.

Read more at MedPage Today