When is Seoul virus shedding highest in rats?

• A. Soon after infection, though shedding can persist long term
• B. After dormancy
• C. Only after symptoms develop
• D. Never sheds

Answer: (A)

The pattern being tested is that Seoul virus is shed by rats early after infection and can continue to be shed for a long time. In reservoir rats, infection leads to virus shedding in urine, saliva, and feces soon after exposure, and this shedding can persist for months to years even if the rats show no illness. That means the highest shedding occurs soon after infection, with potential long-term persistence, rather than only after overt symptoms, after dormancy, or never shedding.