Which action was among the CDC recommendations during the Seoul virus outbreak?

Which action was among the CDC recommendations during the Seoul virus outbreak?

• A. Test all rats at suspected ratteries
• B. Vaccinate all rats
• C. Depopulate all facilities
• D. Repopulate after cleaning without testing

Answer: (A)

In managing Seoul virus outbreaks, the priority is to identify infected animals so transmission can be stopped quickly. Seoul virus is carried by rats and can spread to humans through exposure to contaminated rat urine, droppings, or saliva, so knowing which rats are infected allows targeted removal and containment without sweeping drastic measures. There is no vaccine for rats to prevent Seoul virus, so vaccination isn’t an option. Testing all rats at suspected ratteries lets health officials rapidly identify infected animals, isolate them, and implement appropriate hygiene and quarantine steps. Depopulating entire facilities is an extreme measure that isn’t necessary when targeted testing and containment can control the spread, and repopulating after cleaning without testing risks reintroducing infection from hidden positives. Therefore, testing all rats at suspected ratteries is the best course.

In managing Seoul virus outbreaks, the priority is to identify infected animals so transmission can be stopped quickly. Seoul virus is carried by rats and can spread to humans through exposure to contaminated rat urine, droppings, or saliva, so knowing which rats are infected allows targeted removal and containment without sweeping drastic measures. There is no vaccine for rats to prevent Seoul virus, so vaccination isn’t an option. Testing all rats at suspected ratteries lets health officials rapidly identify infected animals, isolate them, and implement appropriate hygiene and quarantine steps. Depopulating entire facilities is an extreme measure that isn’t necessary when targeted testing and containment can control the spread, and repopulating after cleaning without testing risks reintroducing infection from hidden positives. Therefore, testing all rats at suspected ratteries is the best course.