Sin Nombre virus

The Sin Nombre virus is a type of hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in humans. Hantaviruses are RNA viruses that primarily infect rodents, such as deer mice, which act as reservoirs. Human infection typically occurs through inhaling dust contaminated with dried rodent excreta. HPS is a severe respiratory illness with a high fatality rate, characterized by fever, muscle aches, and acute respiratory distress. While hantaviruses are associated with specific rodent hosts and geographic regions, Sin Nombre virus is found in the Western Hemisphere. Prevention involves controlling rodent populations and limiting exposure to rodent-infested areas.12