CareBear - the virus hit a peak around 2006-2007. At that time, people weren't so aware of it and many good nurseries bought plants they thought were perfectly healthy because the virus often doesn't show up for awhile. And then they passed those plants on to others. Nowdays most reputable hosta nurseries are buying from sources that test for the virus and they are testing anything in their own stock that looks suspicious while box stores are frequently still buying from Dutch suppliers that are not controlling the virus.
I've had 3 plants show the virus in my garden. All three were purchased in that time frame from good nurseries and none showed the virus at first. Since then I've had nothing though I've tested a few plants.
Please do tell others and keep an eye open when you see hostas around. I've seen a number of badly diseased hostas in other gardens and if possible I tell the people responsible.
