In eight pages hantavirus is examined in terms of its epidemiology and prevention methods. Eight sources are cited in the bibliography.
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present state of world affairs seemingly rare organisms like Hantavirus have claimed our attention like they have at no other time in history. Hantavirus is actually a very concerning
organism, however, and one which can be found throughout much of the world. The virus can take a definite toll on human health and even life. Even in
the United States, hantavirus can be found in over half of the lower forty-eight states (Healthlink USA, 2002). At least thirty of these states have, in fact, reported cases
of hantavirus disease (Healthlink USA, 2002). Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for this condition and between one-third to one-half of hantavirus victims die (Enserink, 2001).
While hantavirus is rather widespread in its range the disease itself is rare among humans (Healthlink USA, 2002). Indeed, the virus is
not even a real candidate for bioterrorists since the virus is only infectious under very specific circumstances (Healthlink USA, 2002). Never-the-less, the impact of the disease are disturbing enough
that the value of avoiding it becomes quickly apparent. Hantavirus is taxonomically classified in the Bunyaviridae family (Healthlink USA, 2002).
Its primary host is rodents and it is through contact with them, or their bodily excretions, that humans can contract hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
(HFRS) (Healthlink USA, 2002). While the latter acute disease is endemic to east Asia HPS is endemic to the Americas (Healthlink USA, 2002). In the United States the
most common vector is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) but the virus can also be found in other New World rodents such as the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), the marsh