Outbreak of Hantavirus Infection, Southern Taiwan, 2020

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.202302_39(3).0002

Huei-Ching Li^*, Min-Nan Hung, Yen-Chang Tuan, Hui-Chen Lin, Chiou-Yueh You

2023 Vol.39 NO.3

Correspondence Author： Huei-Ching Li^*

Abstract：

        On January 3, 2020, the local public health authority was notified of a case of hantavirus infection. A woman in her 60s presented with high fever, headache, generalized soreness and diarrhea. Laboratory investigation found abnormal renal function and history taking revealed rat infestation of her residence and working place. Hantavirus hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) was suspected and was confirmed by Taiwan Centers for Disease Control on January 12. The local public health authority immediately carried out outbreak investigation, environmental sanitization, rodent trapping and health education. One of her colleagues was diagnosed with HFRS after expanded contact investigation. Four rodents captured around the working place were tested seropositive for hantavirus. The most important way to prevent hantavirus infection is rodent prevention. When an outbreak occurs, rapid implementation of environmental sanitation and rodent prevention measures for high-risk locations is imperative, preferentially through cross-sector collaboration. Medical staff should also strengthen inquiry about travel history, occupation, contact history and cluster (TOCC) and stay vigilant to quickly respond to the epidemic.