Occupational Risk of Exposure to Rodent-borne Hantavirus at US Forest Service Facilities in California

Abstract

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is a frequently fatal viral disease transmitted through rodent secretions and excretions. Working around deer mice can increase risk of infection. This study assessed potential risk of HCPS at facilities occupied by the US Forest Service (USFS) in California. In 2004-2005, 18 USFS facilities in eight National Forests in California were evaluated for evidence of rodent infestation and circulation of hantavirus. Structural deficiencies and evidence of rodent infestation were observed at 18 facilities. Serum antibodies to hantavirus were detected in 50 of 255 deer mice collected from 15 facilities. Seroprevalence was higher at elevations > 1,600 m (22%). Employees at 14 facilities had received training in rodent-borne disease prevention. Risk of HCPS among USFS employees should motivate inclusion of disease prevention information into employee safety training.

Assessing prevention measures and sin nombre hantavirus seroprevalence among workers at Yosemite National Park

“…In 2008, employees at U.S. Forest Service sites in Peromyscus-endemic areas of California reported no extensive training in prevention strategies for rodent-borne diseases [Levine et al, 2008]. In contrast to our investigation, employees interviewed by Levine et al were more knowledgeable about disinfection techniques than specific elements of hantavirus biology.…”

“…Eight patients experienced HPS, and 3 died. Antibodies reactive to SNV were detected in 10 of 74 (14%) deer mice trapped near Yosemite signature tent cabins during 2012 [Nunez et al, 2014], and in 50 of 255 (20%) trapped at 15 U.S. Forest Service facilities in California during 2004[Levine et al, 2008.…”

Zoonotic Infections Among Employees from Great Smoky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Parks, 2008–2009

“…Though other studies have investigated zoonotic disease risks among national parks (Boyer et al 1977;McLean et al 1989;New et al 1993;Gese et al 1997;Mills et al 1998;Paul et al 2002;Reeves 2007;Levine et al 2008;Wong et al 2009), none have addressed the breadth of pathogens evaluated here. These parks were selected due to their popularity among visitors and the likelihood of the presence of local zoonoses.…”

Promoting human health through forests: overview and major challenges

“…The vectors are often insects, but can also be mammals. Many infectious diseases such as Puumala virus (PUUV), Lyme borreliosis, Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), and malaria, are associated with forests, which are the preferred habitat for vector and host populations [64][65][66][67][68][69]. Infectious diseases are severe, especially in tropical regions, but for example tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis, occur outside tropical regions [70].…”