Hantavirus Transmission in Households in Chile

This study is designed to evaluate the transmission of hantavirus in Chile. It is an observational study that will look at close household contacts of people who have been diagnosed with hantavirus infections that result in a serious illness to see how frequently they become infected. Subjects who enroll in the study will donate samples of body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, stool, urine, respiratory and vaginal secretions) to allow the researchers to see if hantavirus is present in those fluids and if so, how much. Subjects will also be interviewed to identify household conditions that may be associated with transmission. Up to 76 index cases (people who are first diagnosed with hantavirus cadiopulmonary illness) and up to 140 of their close contacts will be enrolled. Subjects will be followed for about 6 weeks.