Information for Health Care Workers

Throughout the year, scientists in the Viral Special Pathogens Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect information on potential hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) cases and publish the information in a summary report. The case information is reported to the state health departments by attending physician/health care workers. The most recent report, updated in December 2009, contains the epidemiologic information on HPS cases during 2009. Below is a brief summary of the HPS case definition as well as information to direct health care workers or state health departments to specimen submission forms and state health department contacts.

Specimen Submission

The Viral Special Pathogens Branch (VSPB), in the Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology (DHCPP) performs a variety of diagnostic techniques for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

• Specimen Submission
  • Protocol for Specimen Submission
• NO specimens accepted without prior consultation.

State Health Department Contacts

• State Health Department Contact Information

HPS Case Definition

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), commonly referred to as hantavirus disease, is a febrile illness characterized by bilateral interstitial pulmonary infiltrates and respiratory compromise usually requiring supplemental oxygen and clinically resembling Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome (ARDS).

• Clinical Case Definition
  • Laboratory Criteria for Diagnosis
  • Case Classification