Reporting & Investigation of Hantavirus

Table of Contents

A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting

  • To assess the magnitude of the disease in different areas and among different risk groups.
  • To identify outbreaks as soon as possible.
  • To identify rodent sources of infection.
  • To monitor the emergence of HPS in new areas and new risk groups.
  • To design more effective control or prevention methods.

B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report. The preferred method of reporting is by utilizing the Iowa Disease Surveillance System (IDSS).  However, if IDSS is not available, the reporting number for Iowa HHS Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) is (800) 362-2736; fax number (515) 281-5698, mailing address:

Iowa HHS, CADE
Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Postage-paid disease reporting forms are available free of charge from the clearinghouse. Call (319) 398-5133.

Laboratory Testing Services Available

The University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) tests for hantavirus. For more information on submitting specimens contact SHL at (319) 335-4500, or visit: www.shl.uiowa.edu/

C. Local Public Health Agency (LPHA) Follow-up Responsibilities

Case Investigation

  1. Case investigation of hantavirus disease in Iowa residents will be directed by the IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE).
  2. Following notification of IDPH, the LPHA(s) may be asked to assist in completing an official IDPH investigation.  Access the Iowa Disease Surveillance System (IDSS) to conduct the investigation.  Interview the case and/or others who may be able to provide information to complete the investigation form and then enter into IDSS. Most of the information required can be obtained from the healthcare provider or the medical record. Use the following guidelines to assist in completing the form:
    1. Record “Hantavirus Disease” (or “Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome”) as the disease being reported.
    2. Record the case’s demographic information.
    3. Record the date of symptom onset, symptoms, date of diagnosis, hospitalization information (if applicable), and outcome of disease (e.g., recovered, died).
    4. Exposure history: Use the approximate incubation period range for hantavirus (1-6 weeks). Specifically, focus on the period beginning about 1 week prior to the case’s onset date back to approximately 6 weeks before onset for the following exposures:
      1. Travel history: Determine the date(s) and geographic area(s) visited by the case.
      2. Rodent contact: Ask the case about potential direct or indirect occupational or recreational exposure to rodents and/or rodent droppings. Document in the “Notes” section.
    5. Complete the import status section to indicate where hantavirus was acquired. If unsure, check “Unknown.” Include any additional comments regarding the case.
    6. If several attempts have been made to obtain case information, but have been unsuccessful (e.g., the case or healthcare provider does not return your calls or respond to a letter, or the case refuses to divulge information or is too ill to be interviewed), please enter as much information as can be gathered. If the information cannot be obtained, please explain the reason in the “Notes” section in IDSS. If using IDSS, select the appropriate reason under the Event tab in the Event Exception field.
  3. If IDSS is not being used, after completing the form, attach lab report(s) if available and mail (in an envelope marked “confidential”) to IDPH Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology.  The mailing address is:
    • Iowa Department of Public Health, CADE
      Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
      321 E. 12th Street
      Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
  4. Institution of disease-control measures is an integral part of case investigation. It is the LPHA’s responsibility to understand, and, if necessary, institute the control guidelines outlined in the Controlling Spread tab.