HPS Frequently Asked Questions

    faq.html
    Last Modified: 04/29/2000

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    As the creator/maintainer of this site, I get a fair amount of questions from people who want details clarified, or more information. I'll try to summarize those points here.

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  • Table of contents:

    • How many people have contracted or died from HPS?
    • Is it safe to travel to places where the hantavirus is prevalent?
    • I have some questions about possibly contracting HPS in my area. Who should I talk to?
    • What resources exist for HPS survivors?
    • I think I might have HPS. What should I do?

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  • How many people have contracted or died from HPS?

    The numbers are changing constantly. Get the latest info from the CDC, complete with distribution maps.

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  • Is it safe to travel to places where the hantavirus is prevalent?

    Generally speaking, yes. If you are sticking to hotels and metropolitan places, you'll need to worry more about being mugged and run over by a car than you will need to worry about contracting HPS. Even camping and spending a lot of time outdoors poses minimal risks. However, the general laws apply: you should definately be cautious if you are going to be staying in a cabin that is usually deserted, or if the uncle you're visiting asks for some help cleaning out his backyard shed.

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  • I have some questions about possibly contracting HPS in my area. Who should I talk to?

    You should contact your local health authority. These are professionals who can either answer your questions, or refer you to a local expert on these matters.

    (The above link goes to a page provided by the CDC, with information that only pertains to the United States, Canada, and the Indian Health Service. If you need information for another location, you might need to dig it up yourself.)

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  • What resources exist for HPS survivors?

    Not much, I'm afraid. There are doctors who are doing follow-up studies, to learn more about the disease and its long-term effects, but I don't know of any support groups or other resources which the HPS survivor can benefit from.

    I have the facilities available to establish an electronic mailing list for HPS survivors or anyone interested in the hantavirus. If you are interested in joining such a mailing list, please let me know. If I get enough interest, I'll start it up.

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  • I think I might have HPS. What should I do?

    Get yourself to a hospital immediately. (Yes, this really is a frequently-asked question.)

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