Northwest hantavirus found more commonly in local rodents than thought
A Washington State University-led study in the Palouse region (Washington and Idaho) found Sin Nombre hantavirus in about 30% of tested rodents, with roughly 10% actively infected, suggesting the virus is more widespread in Northwest wildlife than previously known. The team also produced the first full genome sequences of Northwest Sin Nombre strains to aid surveillance, while human infections remain rare; health officials urge precautions when cleaning areas with rodent contamination and researchers hope to expand exposure assessments.
