Seoul Virus Associated with Pet Rats, Scotland, UK, 2019

We describe a case of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Seoul virus in a woman in Scotland, UK. Whole-genome sequencing showed the virus belonged to a lineage characterized by recent international expansion, probably driven by trade in pet rats.

Automated summary

A case of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Seoul virus in a woman in Scotland was described, with whole-genome sequencing showing the virus belonged to a lineage characterized by recent international expansion likely driven by trade in pet rats.