Hantavirus Confirmed in Washoe County

Health officials say the first case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome has been confirmed in Douglas County. 

Officials with Carson City Health and Human Services say the individual is a Douglas County resident who was exposed to the virus while spring cleaning. 

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by an infection with hantaviruses. Only 14 cases have been reported in Nevada outside of Clark County since 2005.

The disease is spread by certain species of rats and mice that spread the virus through their urine, dropping and saliva. Health officials say the virus can be transmitted to people when contaminated nesting materials or dust is stirred up and breathed in by humans. It's frequently associated with spring cleaning and cannot be spread from person to person.

Symptoms include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Officials say later symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. 

CCHHS reminds everyone to protect themselves from hantavirus exposure by taking the following safety precautions:

  • Seal openings that may allow rats and mice to enter homes and workplaces.
  • Remove brush, woodpiles, trash, and other items that may attract rats and mice.
  • Tightly close garbage cans, pet food containers and other food sources.
  • Before cleaning up nests or droppings found inside, open windows and doors to ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes.
  • If any dust will be stirred up, goggles and a HEPA or N-95 mask are recommended.
  • Wear protective gloves to handle dead mice and rats or to clean up nesting areas, urine, or droppings.
  • Do not stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming. Dampen areas before cleanup with either a 1-to-10 bleach-water mixture or another effective disinfectant, to eliminate dust and begin inactivating the virus. After 30 minutes, apply the viricide again and immediately begin the cleaning process.
  • Use the same viricide and apply to dead rodents, nests, urine, and droppings before cleaning, with the same 30-minute interval and reapplication process.