Who Is Affected by Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)

Through July 5, 2011, 572 cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) had been reported in the United States.^{footnote 1}

• HPS affects both genders, although males are at a higher risk of developing the illness (63% male and 37% female).
• 78% of the people with HPS have been white, 18% have been American Indian, 2% have been African American, and 1% have been Asian.

Although the majority of HPS cases occur in the southwestern United States, cases have been reported in 33 states.^{footnote 1} Most people who develop HPS either live in rural areas or have visited rural areas during the 4 weeks before symptoms of the illness appear.

Other countries also have had confirmed cases of HPS, including:

• Canada, mainly in the western provinces.
• South American countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, and Bolivia.
• Panama.