CDC Doesn't Have Hantavirus PCR Test as 10 People In US Being Monitored

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Newsweek

Published May 13, 2026 at 03:45 AM EDT updated May 13, 2026 at 01:46 PM EDT


The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently doesn't have a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test to detect the Andes strain of the hantavirus in patients, as 10 people who were potentially exposed to the virus are being monitored in five U.S. states. Officials in those states—California, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey and Washington—have said the individuals had not been on board the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship the MV Hondius, but that all had contact with someone who later tested positive for hantavirus.

None of the individuals is displaying symptoms, and officials said the risk level in each state remains low. The CDC does have a PCR test to detect the virus, but it cannot be used for patient management, as it is in the research stage, Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the US Department of Health and Human Services, told WIRED. Efforts are being made to validate the test for diagnostic use

How Does a PCR Test Work?

Samples for a PCR test are usually in the form of nasal or throat swabs or blood tests. PCR tests can detect viruses early, even before someone is showing symptoms.

Currently, tests to detect hantavirus in asymptomatic individuals are conducted "using molecular methods, such as RT-qPCR, which measures viral genomes in the blood, as well as serological assays that detect hantavirus-specific antibodies, i.e., the immune response mounted against the virus," Alexander Ploss, co-director of the Global Health Program and a molecular biology professor at Princeton University, told Newsweek. "These assays can only be carried out by specialized labs," he said.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/three-people-high-risk-exposure-hantavirus-monitored-kansas-11944500

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IOW, since this is so rare, there really aren't any "consumer" type rapid test kits.

[Lovie777]

1. They are so .........

it's more.

[hlthe2b]

2. Few viruses have "consumer" type rapid tests (influenza, COVID-19, RSV the exceptions)

That is not what they are referring to--but rather a validated test that can be used in state public health laboratories and ultimately major hospitals in affected areas.. A research PCR test has to be widely validated--in this case against a very specific strain of Hantavirus-the Andes strain. CDC has long had PCR test available against the most common North American strain, namely Sin Nombre (first identified in the four-corner area of US and still the most prevalent). The decimation of the Viral Special Pathogens section of CDC--including its virologists and labs is responsible for the failure to have moved forward on the Andes strain validation far before now. Still, with sufficient resources, it should be able to be validated fairly quickly. Until then, they will likely have to develop a collaboration with WHO to get a host country to share the current PCR--despite the a'hole orange monster having pulled us out of that very arrangement.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. Oh I know

Way back in the late '80s, i not only ran ELIZA, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, etc., but gave some training courses on that (had a great mentor who did most of the validation of the methods that were out there at the time). The tech has obviously improved almost 40 years later but it's pretty cool.

My point is to emphasize that there are no current "rapid" field tests like what people became familiar with during COVID. At this time, it's strictly a specialty lab thing.

[Buddyzbuddy]

3. I'm sorry but Mr. Kennedy is currently unvailable

what with searching for fresh roadkill, tanning and raiding hospitals that are trying to push jello on unsuspecting patients he doesn't have either the time nor the patience to also make sure we're protected from real disease.

[mgardener]

5. He does not have the knowledge

To protect us.

Where is his proof about autism?
Trump does not care if we live or die.

[Buddyzbuddy]

6. I think your incorrect about whether or not the Felon cares if we live or die.

He wants us DEAD. Specifically, anybody that doesn't agree with him. I sincerely believe that.

[FBaggins]

7. It isn't just that it's rare

It's that it's harder to spread and less likely to need large numbers of rapid tests. Serological testing is the norm and should be sufficient unless something has changed (i.e., mutation)

It's a dramatically scarier virus, but also far easier to manage. There are a few hundreds of people with reason to be concerned and it may take a month for clarity... but there isn't any reason to think we're watching the early stages of a new pandemic.