Outbreak of hantavirus infection in the Four Corners region of the United States in the wake of the 1997-1998 El Nino-southern oscillation.
Title | Outbreak of hantavirus infection in the Four Corners region of the United States in the wake of the 1997-1998 El Nino-southern oscillation. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2000 |
Authors | Hjelle, B, Glass, GE |
Journal | The Journal of infectious diseases |
Volume | 181 |
Issue | 5 |
Pagination | 1569-73 |
Date Published | 2000 May |
ISSN | 0022-1899 |
Keywords | Animals, Arizona, Colorado, Disease Outbreaks, Hantavirus Infections, Humans, Incidence, New Mexico, Peromyscus, Population Density, Rain, Utah, Weather |
Abstract | Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a rodent-borne zoonosis, has been endemic in the Americas for at least several decades. It is hypothesized that the 1991-1992 El Niño-southern oscillation (ENSO) caused increased precipitation that allowed an increase in rodent population densities, thereby increasing the possibility of transmission to humans. The result was a 1993-1994 outbreak of the disease in the Four Corners states of the southwestern United States. A second strong ENSO occurred in 1997-1998, after a period of considerable public education about the risks of hantavirus infection that began during the 1993-1994 outbreak. The caseload of HCPS increased 5-fold above baseline in the Four Corners states in 1998-1999. Regions that had received increased rainfall in 1998 were especially affected. A large majority of the 1998-1999 case patients reported indoor exposure to deer mice. Hantavirus outbreaks can occur in response to abiotic events, even in the face of extensive public education and awareness. |
Alternate Journal | J. Infect. Dis. |