Sin Nombre Virus

Question 1

Where did the outbreak of Sin Nombre Virus originate?

Answer 1

The 4 corners region (where UT, CO, AZ, and NM meet) of the United States.

Question 2

What is unique about how Sin Nombre Virus impacts a population?

Answer 2

The young, healthy individuals get sick and die first.

Question 3

What was the index case for Sin Nombre Virus?

Answer 3

A young mother experienced with flu-like symptoms and within 48 hours was dead from drowning in her own pulmonary edema.
*Her boyfriend suffered the same fate days later.

Question 4

What is the causative agent of SNV?

Answer 4

New World Hantavirus.

Question 5

What is the primary reservoir for SNV?

Answer 5

Deer mouse.
*Other rodents.

Question 6

How is SNV secreted?

Answer 6

In the urine and feces.

Question 7

How is SNV transmitted?

Answer 7

Direct between deer mice and deer mice to humans. Indirect through the environment and airborne.

Question 8

What are the signs and symptoms of SNV?

Answer 8

1. Flu-like symptoms.
2. Vomiting.
3. Diarrhea.
4. Abdominal pain.
5. Cough.

Question 9

What are prevention methods for SNV?

Answer 9

1. Rodent proof home.
2. Snap traps.
3. Clean spaces where rodents are found.
   4.

Question 10

Why is it better to kill rodents?

Answer 10

Rodents that caught live and released often get infected and bring the pathogen into the house. Also, the rodents urinate and defecate in the traps. This raises the risk of humans getting infected.

Question 11

How are spaces where rodents were found cleaned?

Answer 11

Wet clean to prevent aerosolization, ventilate the space for 30 min., spray 10% bleach soln. on everything, wash with mop soaked for 15 min., double bag everything, toss.