Which statement about Seoul virus shedding in rats is true?

Which statement about Seoul virus shedding in rats is true?

• A. Rats shed the virus in saliva, feces, and urine
• B. Rats never shed the virus
• C. Rats shed only in urine
• D. Rats shed in blood

Answer: (A)

Seoul virus shedding in rats occurs through multiple excreta, which is key to understanding how the virus persists and can be transmitted in the environment. Infected rats shed the virus in saliva, feces, and urine, and these materials can contaminate surfaces and become aerosolized when dried. This multi-excreta shedding pattern explains why exposure often comes from inhaling aerosols or contact with contaminated materials, rather than from blood. While the virus can be present in the bloodstream during viremia, the primary environmental transmission route is through saliva, urine, and feces, not blood. Therefore, the statement that rats shed the virus in saliva, feces, and urine is the best answer.

Seoul virus shedding in rats occurs through multiple excreta, which is key to understanding how the virus persists and can be transmitted in the environment. Infected rats shed the virus in saliva, feces, and urine, and these materials can contaminate surfaces and become aerosolized when dried. This multi-excreta shedding pattern explains why exposure often comes from inhaling aerosols or contact with contaminated materials, rather than from blood. While the virus can be present in the bloodstream during viremia, the primary environmental transmission route is through saliva, urine, and feces, not blood. Therefore, the statement that rats shed the virus in saliva, feces, and urine is the best answer.