Hantavirus

LA County Guidelines (for Yosemite outbreak)

Physicians with Patients Presenting with Concerns or Symptoms of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) after Visit to Yosemite National Park, June through August 2012.

1. If a patient presents with concerns or non-specific symptoms well after 6 weeks from their stay in Yosemite, the patient most likely does not have hantavirus infection and testing for hantavirus infection is not indicated.
2. If a patient presents with non-specific symptoms within 6 weeks of their stay in Yosemite and hantavirus infection is not suspected, the patient should be followed as clinically indicated, but testing for hantavirus infection is not indicated.
3. If a patient presents with fever and mild symptoms suspicious for early hantavirus infection within 6 weeks of their stay in Yosemite, then a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel should be done at baseline and hantavirus serology should be requested.
4. If a patient presents with fever, shortness of breath, and other symptoms suggestive of HPS within 6 weeks of their stay in Yosemite, or if the patient in #3 above progresses to having symptoms and laboratory results suggestive of HPS, the patient should be transferred to a hospital emergency department for full evaluation.
5. In California, hantavirus infections are reportable. Suspect cases in LA County should be reported to Acute Communicable Disease Control immediately so that we may assist with diagnostic testing.

Call 213-240-7941 (business hours) or 213-974-1234 (after hours) to speak to the duty physician.

Source

The following are abbreviated public health recommendations. Please see the full state guidance document at [1]