Technical/Clinical Information

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a deadly disease from rodents. The Sin Nombre hantavirus, which can cause the disease HPS, was first recognized in 1993 and since has been identified throughout the United States. However, the description of Hantavirus disease traces back to 1951 where a hantavirus was identified as the cause for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Hantaviruses were placed into the family Bunyaviridae and divided into two groups. More technical and clinical information on General Hantaviruses and HPS are provided in the categories below.

laboratory workers reviewing test results

The description of Hantavirus disease traces back to 1951. The virus belongs to the family Bunyaviridae and is divided into two groups of Old World and New World Hantaviruses. There are many Hantavirus strains that occur globally.

In May 1993, an outbreak of unexplained illness appeared in the four corners region of the Southwestern United States. A newly identified virus, Sin Nombre, was shown to be the cause of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).