A SURVEY OF HANTAVIRUS ANTIBODY IN SMALL-MAMMAL POPULATIONS IN SELECTED UNITED-STATES NATIONAL-PARKS

Hantavirus activity in 39 National Parks in the eastern and central Un ited States was surveyed by testing 1,815 small mammals of 38 species for antibody reactive to Sin Nombre virus. Antibody-positive rodents w ere found throughout the area sampled, and in most biotic communities. Antibody was detected in 7% of 647 deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) , 2% of 590 white-footed mice (P. leucopus), 17% of 12 rice rats (Oryz omys palustris), 3% of 31 cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), and 33% of 18 western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis). Antibody was also found in three of six species of voles, and in one of 33 chipmunks (T amias minimus). Prevalence among Peromyscus was highest in the northea st. Although few cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome have been iden tified from the eastern and central regions, widespread infection in r eservoir populations indicates that potential exists for human infecti on throughout much of the United States.