[1] The disease was first identified in 1996 by Dr. Benham Lockhart at the University of Minnesota, and grouped with the potexviruses.

[1][2] The virus has reached epidemic proportions and is not uncommon to find in many garden centers and nurseries.

At first some people bought the infected hostas, believing that they were new cultivars of the plant.

Some plants in a study conducted by Dr. Lockhart at the University of Minnesota did not show symptoms for up to 3 years after testing positive for the virus.

After purchase, even if test results come back negative for HVX, hostas suspected of being infected should be quarantined for a year or more away from other hostas and be observed to see if it presents any symptoms.