Seoul virus outbreak associated with home-based rat-breeding facilities.

Seoul virus outbreak associated with home-based rat-breeding facilities.Experts from CDC are working with the Illinois Department of Health and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to investigate cases of Seoul virus infections among eight people who worked at several rat-breeding facilities in the two states. Seoul virus is not commonly found in the United States, though there have been several reported outbreaks in wild rats. This is the first known outbreak associated with pet rats in the United States. A home-based rodent breeder in Wisconsin was hospitalized in December 2016 with fever, headache, and other symptoms. CDC tested a blood specimen and confirmed that the infection was caused by Seoul virus, a member of the Hantavirus family of rodent-borne viruses. A close family member who also worked with rodents also tested positive for Seoul virus. Both people have recovered. A follow-up investigation at several rat breeders that supplied the initial patient's rats revealed an additional six cases of Seoul virus at two Illinois rat breeding facilities. Seoul virus is carried by wild Norway rats worldwide. People usually become infected when they come in contact with infectious body fluids (blood, saliva, urine) from infected rats or are bitten by them. Most cases in people are reported in Asia. The virus is not spread between people and cannot be transmitted to or from other types of pets. Rats infected with Seoul virus typically do not appear sick. Human and animal health officials are working together to make sure infected rats are not distributed further. Seoul virus in the Hantavirus family, produces a milder illness than some other Hantaviruses. The symptoms may include fever, severe headache, back and abdominal pain, chills, blurred vision, redness of the eyes, or rash. In rare cases, infection can also lead to acute renal disease. However, not all people infected with the virus experience symptoms. Most people infected with Seoul virus recover. To prevent infections from Seoul virus and other diseases carried by rats, people should: 1)Wash your hands with soap and running water after touching, feeding, or caring for rodents, or cleaning their habitats. Be sure to assist children with handwashing. 2) Be aware that pet rodents can shed germs that can contaminate surfaces in areas where they live and roam. Make sure rodent enclosures are properly secured and safe, so your pet doesn't get hurt or contaminate surfaces. 3) Clean and disinfect rodent habitats and supplies outside your home when possible. Never clean rodent habitats or their supplies in the kitchen sink, other food preparation areas, or the bathroom sink. 4)Avoid bites and scratches from rodents. Be cautious with unfamiliar animals, even if they seem friendly. Take precautions when cleaning out rodent cages or areas with rodent urine or droppings. 5)Visit your veterinarian for routine evaluation and care to keep your rodents healthy and to prevent infectious diseases. If bitten by a rodent: Wash the wound with warm soapy water immediately. Even healthy pets can carry germs. Seek medical attention if: 1) Pet appears sick. 2) Your wound is serious. 3) Your wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen. 4) Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. 5)You develop sudden fever or flu-like illness in 1-2 weeks after being bitten. source