90-Second Read: Contact tracing could be key in halting the spread of Hantavirus. Here's how it works

Here's how authorities are using the practice of contact tracing to contain the outbreak and keep the Hantavirus from spreading. The concept of modern contact tracing dates to the 1930s and was part of an effort to stop the spread of syphilis. Public health officials argue that contact tracing is a powerful approach that will reduce further spread. The risk of further spread of this virus is low since it requires close and prolonged contact with an infected individual, and those infected seem to transmit the virus for only a brief period of time.

One challenge that Hantavirus presents is that its incubation period can last up to several weeks. Contact tracing was vital during the fight against COVID-19 and helped end the Ebola crisis in Liberia, containing the epidemic there more than a decade ago. Authorities are hoping for similar success with this Hantavirus outbreak. This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist.

But public health officials want to make sure the outbreak is contained. Such measures may include quarantine, so that an individual doesn't come into contact with even more people, who may then become infected. Fortunately, the flight attendant ultimately tested negative for Hantavirus. Some of the contact tracing even involved hours-long hikes through the jungle to a remote village.

It involves locating the close contacts of anyone who may have been infected. Epidemiologists then look to see with whom they've recently had close contact since these individuals are more likely to have been infected. This hunt for those with the greatest probability of infection is important.