eight Folks Contaminated in Uncommon U.S. Outbreak of Rat Virus
Newest Infectious Illness Information
FRIDAY, Jan. 20, 2017 (HealthDay Information) -- Eight individuals who labored at a number of rat-breeding amenities in Illinois and Wisconsin have been contaminated with a virus not generally present in america, federal well being officers stated Friday.
That is the primary recognized outbreak of Seoul virus related to pet rats in america, though there have been a number of outbreaks in wild rats, in keeping with the federal Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
Seoul virus is a member of the Hantavirus household of rodent-borne viruses and is carried by wild Norway rats worldwide. Most rats contaminated with the virus don't seem sick.
Folks usually grow to be contaminated when they're uncovered to physique fluids (blood, saliva, urine) from contaminated rats or are bitten by them. Folks cannot get the virus from different individuals or from different kinds of pets, the CDC stated in a information launch.
Signs of Seoul virus an infection in individuals embody fever, extreme headache, again and stomach ache, chills, blurred imaginative and prescient, eye redness and rash. In uncommon circumstances, an infection can result in kidney illness. Most individuals contaminated with the virus get well, in keeping with the CDC.
The CDC is working with state and native well being officers to find out how this outbreak occurred and whether or not another individuals may be affected. Anybody who lately purchased a rat and has Seoul virus signs ought to contact a well being care supplier instantly.
To stop Seoul virus an infection and different illnesses carried by rats: wash your fingers with cleaning soap and operating water after touching, feeding or caring for rodents; clear and disinfect rodent habitats and provides; by no means clear rodent habitats or provides within the kitchen sink or toilet sink; keep away from urine or droppings when cleansing rodent cages.
Get common veterinarian checks for pet rodents and be cautious with unfamiliar rodents to cut back the chance of bites and scratches, the company added.
In case you are bitten by a rodent, wash the wound with heat, soapy water instantly, and search medical consideration if: the rodent appears sick; your wound is critical or turns into crimson, painful, heat or swollen; your final tetanus shot was greater than 5 years in the past; or, you develop fever or flu-like sickness per week or two after being bitten.
-- Robert Preidt
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SOURCE: U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, information launch, Jan. 20, 2017
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