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

[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.