A young man who works on a ranch and lives in the log bunkhouse experiences sudden fever with muscle aches. A few days later he begins to cough and have difficulty breathing, and goes to an urgent care clinic. A blood sample reveals a high leukocyte count and low platelets. A Gram stain of a sputum sample shows only a few small bacteria present. Which of the following is the most likely infecting agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hantavirus is the most likely infecting agent because the young man works on a ranch and lives in a log bunkhouse, which are both risk factors for hantavirus infection. The sudden fever with muscle aches, followed by coughing and difficulty breathing, are also symptoms of hantavirus infection. The high leukocyte count and low platelets in the blood sample are also consistent with hantavirus infection.

A Young Man Who Works on a Ranch and Lives