Hantavirus-Pulmonary-Syndrome In California - Report Of 2 Cases And Investigation

We report two cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome that were probably acquired in California. Genetic analysis of tissue specimens from one of the patients revealed that the virus isolated is a variant of the strain (Sin Nombre virus) identified in the outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome that occurred in the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States in 1993. In addition to presenting the clinical features of the two cases, we discuss the possible risk factors for infection.