Confirmed Case of Hantavirus Reported in Washoe County
The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) has recently confirmed a case of Hantavirus in Washoe County. The patient, a 60-year-old man, was hospitalized after being exposed to rodent droppings several weeks prior. At present, there is no update on the individual’s condition, and investigations are ongoing.
This marks the first reported case of Hantavirus in Washoe County since November 2022. The most recent death related to the virus was reported in December 2020.
In light of this development, the WCHD urges residents of Washoe County to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to avoid contracting Hantavirus. Hantavirus is a rare respiratory disease that can lead to severe illness and, in some cases, prove fatal.
The virus is primarily transmitted through inhalation or contact with viral particles present in infected rodents, with deer mice being the most common carriers.
While anyone who comes into contact with rodents carrying the virus is at risk, such encounters typically occur during work or recreational activities in areas where mouse droppings, urine, or saliva may have accumulated. Cleaning up rodent droppings or nesting materials also poses a potential risk.
Early symptoms of Hantavirus include fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, chills, and dizziness. These symptoms usually manifest one to eight weeks after exposure. Subsequently, late-stage symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs, may develop four to ten days after the initial symptoms appear.
There is currently no specific treatment available for Hantavirus. However, the WCHD advises individuals who exhibit these symptoms following contact with deer mice or their waste to seek immediate medical attention. Early recognition and medical care may improve health outcomes for infected individuals.
Prevention is paramount in combatting Hantavirus. The WCHD recommends the following precautions when cleaning to minimize the risk of contracting the virus:
1. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming areas with urine, droppings, or nesting materials.
2. Use a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to clean urine and/or droppings (1.5 cups bleach to 1 gallon of water). Spray the solution on areas with rodent droppings, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes before wiping the area with disposable paper towels or cloth.
3. Wear gloves (latex, vinyl, or rubber) and a face mask to prevent contact with or inhalation of viral particles.
4. Identify areas where mice may be present and seal openings while setting traps. Deer mice can squeeze through openings as small as a nickel.
5. Seek professional assistance from licensed pest control operators for additional guidance on preventing deer mice from entering living spaces.
For more information on safe cleanup practices following rodent encounters, visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/. You can also find additional information on Hantavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by visiting their website.
(The Washoe County Health District assisted with this report.)