Reno, Nev. (Colo.) – A man in his 20s has died from Hantavirus, Wash Shoe County health officials reported Tuesday.
The man lived in the southern part of Washwe County and probably got rid of rod rats and was later hospitalized.
“We are saddened to learn of this death due to the hantavirus,” said Capin Dick, district health officer for the Washhoe County Health District. “Although rare, the disease is very serious and to be very careful for other residents is a reminder where rats, especially deer rats are active. Our thoughts reach the family of this resident. ”
This is the first hantavirus death for the year 2020, and the third hantavirus death in Wash Shoe County since 2019.
It is estimated that 38 percent of all hantavirus cases are fatal, health officials said.
Infected squirrels, usually deer mice, transmit the virus to their droppings, urine and saliva. Hentavirus mainly infects people when they breathe in air contaminated with the virus. A person can also become infected if they touch something contaminated with drops, urine or saliva and then touch their nose or mouth. This usually occurs when working or re-working in an area where mouse droppings, urine or saliva may have accumulated or when cleaning rat droppings or structure material.
Hikers and campers may be at high risk if they are in areas that are common to heavily cultivated nuisances such as old cabins, stables and barns.
The Health District urges everyone to exercise caution when entering places where rats may be present, such as storage places, garages, sheds, cabins and pantries. Since rats show no signs of Hantavirus, it is best to avoid all wild rats and mice and safely clean any rats, urine, droppings or nests in your home.
Health officials recommend following the guidelines when cleaning areas with rat activity:
- Do not clean or vacuum the area with urine, droppings or structure material.
- A solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water should be used when cleaning urine and / or droppings. Let it set for 5 minutes before cleaning the area.
- Wear gloves (i.e., latex, vinyl, rubber) and a face mask to avoid touching or breathing in viral particles.
- Identify the area where the rats are entering and set the traps.
- Identify and open the plug that can allow rats to enter. A deer mouse can fit in a nickel-sized start. Plug the holes using a steel ool and place a collar around the steel ool to hold it in place.
For additional information about hentavirus, click here.
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