- An incurable rat disease called Hantavirus has caused four deaths in the US this year.
- The disease is fatal in 36% of cases and typically causes about 30 cases per year in the US, mostly in western and southwestern areas.
- Some states are now experiencing a surge in Hantavirus cases, with Arizona and California being the hotspots.
- Extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall are thought to be fueling the increase in infections as rodents seek shelter indoors.
- Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and difficulty breathing, with no specific treatments available.
Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention