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

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.

Received August 20, 2007. Accepted for publication October 23, 2007.

Acknowledgments: The authors thank Joe Burns, Larry Bronson, Dick Davis, Jonathan Kwan, Charlie Smith, and Jim Tucker (Vector-Borne Disease Section, California Department of Public Health) and Jason Stull (Veterinary Public Health Section, California Department of Public Health) for assistance with field surveillance and Barryett Enge (Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory, California Department of Public Health) for laboratory assistance.

Financial support: This study was partially funded through a cost-share agreement between the California Department of Public Health and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

^* Address correspondence to Curtis L. Fritz, California Department of Public Health, MS 7307, PO Box 997377, Sacramento, CA 95899–7377. E-mail: cfritz{at}cdph.ca.gov

Authors’ addresses: Jessica R. Levine and Curtis L. Fritz, California Department of Public Health, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Sacramento, CA 95899–7377 (Ms. Levine’s current address: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616). Mark G. Novak, California Department of Public Health, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Elk Grove, CA 95624.

Reprints requests: Curtis L. Fritz, California Department of Public Health, MS 7307, PO Box 997377, Sacramento, CA 95899-7377, Telephone: 916-552-9730, Fax: 916-552-9725, E-mail: cfritz{at}cdph.ca.gov.