Which hantavirus is responsible for Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in humans?

• A. Sin Nombre virus
• B. Andes virus
• C. Hantaan virus
• D. Seoul virus

Answer: (A)

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is caused by certain New World hantaviruses that infect the lungs, with Sin Nombre virus being the classic culprit in humans in North America. It is carried by deer mice, and people typically become ill after inhaling aerosolized urine, droppings, or saliva from infected rodents. The illness progresses to a rapid, severe lung vascular leak and pulmonary edema, which is the hallmark of HPS.

Other hantaviruses tend to cause different diseases. Hantaan and Seoul viruses are mainly associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) rather than HPS, reflecting their prevalence in Asia and their renal involvement. Andes virus can also cause HPS, but it is primarily found in South America and has some documented capacity for person-to-person transmission in certain outbreaks. In the standard North American-focused teaching context, Sin Nombre virus is the primary hantavirus linked to HPS in humans.