What to know about Hantavirus outbreak
The Illinois Department of Public Health says the Hantavirus strain most commonly seen in the U.S. is caused by exposure to rodent droppings. Adobe Stock Image
Hantavirus has been in the news after a fatal outbreak on a cruise ship. Separately, there was an unrelated case in northern Illinois. Public health experts outline the risks of the rodent-carried disease and the surprising list of Illinois cities that have the biggest problem with rats.
Update: Following the live airing of this program, the Illinois Department of Public Health released an update on the suspected case of Hantavirus in Winnebago County:
"Confirmatory testing conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not detect Hantavirus. The resident is no longer considered a potential case of Hantavirus and no further public health action is needed.
The risk of getting Hantavirus remains very low for Illinois residents. The best way to protect yourself from Hantavirus and other rodent-borne diseases is by keeping rodents out of your home and cleaning up after them safely."
GUESTS
Dr. Vidya Sundareshan
Professor & Chief of Infectious Diseases, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Medical Advisor, Sangamon County Department of Public Health
Dr. Mamadou Tounkara
Public Health Administrator, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
