Hantavirus is gaining ground in the US, startling researchers: ‘Widespread and complex virus’
Hantavirus is becoming more prevalent in the US, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, alarming researchers. A study found that nearly 30% of rodent populations in the region tested positive for the Sin Nombre virus, which is linked to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This increase in virus detection raises concerns about exposure risks in agricultural communities.
- ▪Researchers detected high levels of the Sin Nombre virus in rodents in the Pacific Northwest.
- ▪Nearly 30% of sampled rodents showed evidence of past infection with the virus.
- ▪The Sin Nombre virus is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosolized rodent waste.
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Health Hantavirus is gaining ground in the US, startling researchers: ‘Widespread and complex virus’ By rsacksnyp Published May 24, 2026, 10:13 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google As passengers from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship are being monitored, unusually high levels of the virus have been detected in rodents in the US. Researchers found that a significant portion of rodent populations in the Pacific Northwest — specifically the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho — were carrying the Sin Nombre virus (SNV). The findings indicate that not only is the virus more widespread than initially realized, but it could also increase exposure risk in surrounding agricultural communities.
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