A mother and daughter in Tennessee contracted a rare virus linked to pet rats purchased in Illinois, according to the CDC's most recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
In January, the CDC reported an outbreak of Seoul virus linked to Midwestern rat breeders. The agency's investigation into the outbreak identified 13 illnesses across eight states: Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. During the investigation, researchers informed the Tennessee Department of Health a state resident had purchased rats possibly carrying the virus.
The 16-year-old daughter fell ill in December 2016 and visited her physician one week later. On Feb. 14, 2017, lab results indicated she contracted Seoul virus. The state health department recommended euthanizing the rats, but the patient refused. In April, the girl's mother visited an emergency department with high fever, anorexia, fatigue and shortness of breath. She later tested positive for Seoul virus.
"Owners who choose to keep a potentially infected rodent place themselves, other household members and visitors at risk for infection," wrote the authors of the report. "Additionally, Seoul virus is easily transmitted within breeding colonies of rats, further propagating the virus and risk for human illness. This report demonstrates ongoing risk for Seoul virus infection for persons living in or visiting households with Seoul virus–infected rodents."
Seoul virus is a hantavirus carried by wild and domestic Norway rats. The virus doesn't sicken rats, but can spread to humans via the blood, saliva or urine of an infected rat. The virus does not spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, blurred vision and rash.
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