Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy today announced that one pet rat in a Pennsylvania home-based breeding facility has tested positive for the Seoul virus. An outbreak of the virus among 13 people in at least eight states is under investigation by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No human infections of the virus, which can produce flu-like symptoms and can lead to renal failure, have been confirmed in Pennsylvania, the state health department said. Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy said in a statement that the infected rat was purchased from a Tennessee breeding facility with confirmed Seoul virus infections. The remaining rats in the Pennsylvania facility were humanely euthanized to prevent further spread of the disease, the health department said. “We are working very closely with the CDC to monitor any Seoul virus activity and prevent further exposure,” said Karen Murphy said, state health secretary. While this virus is spread only through infected rats, the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians is our priority.”

The Seoul virus is a type of hantavirus, a respiratory infection spread in rodent droppings.
Authorities in the state of Pennsylvania discover the Seoul virus, a member of the Hantavirus family, in a contained scientific breeding-facility for rats.