Mohave County Department of Public Health Confirms First Sin Nombre Hantavirus Death
The Mohave County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) in coordination with Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) confirmed a case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in a Mohave County resident. The source of exposure for the Kingman service area case could not be determined; however local transmission cannot be ruled out.
While hantavirus infections are rare, MCDPH is sharing information to help residents understand the disease, recognize potential risks, and take simple precautions to reduce exposure.
The type of hantavirus found in Arizona is known as Sin Nombre virus, which is carried primarily by deer mice. This is the strain historically associated with cases in Arizona and the Southwest. It is different from the Andes virus that recently received national media attention and was linked to a cruise ship investigation in South America. This hantavirus case is related to the Sin Nombre virus strain and is not related to the Andes virus outbreak associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship.
Sin Nombre virus is not known to spread from person to person. Most infections occur when individuals breathe in dust contaminated with the urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials of infected rodents.
"Although hantavirus is uncommon, awareness and prevention are important, especially for people spending time outdoors or cleaning areas where rodents may be present," said Health Director Melissa Palmer.
WHERE EXPOSURE CAN OCCUR
Residents may encounter rodents or rodent droppings in locations such as:
- Houses
- Sheds
- Garages
- Barns
- Cabins
- Campers and RVs
- Storage boxes and outdoor storage areas
- Vacant buildings
- Campsites and other recreational areas
People who are opening seasonal cabins, preparing RVs for travel, cleaning out garages, clearing out overly cluttered homes or working in outbuildings should take extra precautions before disturbing dust or debris.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may develop one to eight (1-8) weeks after exposure and often begin with:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
As illness progresses, some individuals may develop:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after potential rodent exposure should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the exposure.
PREVENTION TIPS
The best way to prevent hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodents and rodentcontaminated materials.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Watch for signs of rodent activity, including droppings and nesting materials.
- Air out enclosed spaces for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, which can stir contaminated dust into the air.
- Spray droppings or nests with a disinfectant solution and allow it to soak before cleanup.
- Wear gloves and a well-fitting mask when cleaning contaminated areas.
- Seal holes and gaps around homes, garages, sheds, and other structures to prevent rodents from entering.
- Store food, pet food, and garbage in rodent-resistant containers.
SAFE CLEANUP GUIDANCE
If rodent droppings or nesting materials are found:
- Open doors and windows and allow the area to air out.
- Spray droppings or nests with a disinfectant or bleach solution.
- Allow the solution to soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Wear gloves and a face covering and use paper towels or other disposable materials to safely clean up droppings and nesting materials.
- Place waste in sealed plastic bags and dispose of it properly.
- Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning up.
Residents unable to safely clean the area themselves are encouraged to consider contacting a licensed pest control or remediation professional for assistance.
LEARN MORE
Additional information about hantavirus prevention and safe cleanup practices is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/hantavirus.
MCDPH will continue to monitor the situation and work with healthcare providers and public health partners as appropriate.
Contact: Dani Lagana
