Health officials have confirmed the first case of hantavirus in Lyon County this year.
Carson City Health and Human Services reported the patient is a man over 50. This is the third hantavirus case in the Carson, Douglas, and Lyon County region in 2025.
Officials said the man’s exposure likely came from inhaling or coming into contact with rodent droppings, urine, or nesting material disturbed while cleaning his home in the weeks before symptoms began. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
Hantavirus is a respiratory infection spread primarily through particles from infected rodents. It can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 38 percent of people who develop severe respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.
Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. These may be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Later symptoms can include coughing and shortness of breath.
Officials advise anyone who suspects exposure to contact their healthcare provider immediately and report any contact with rodents or their waste.
Health authorities also emphasized prevention measures.
People should avoid sweeping or vacuuming areas with rodent droppings, and should instead disinfect affected areas with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water, leave for five minutes, and dispose of cleaning materials in sealed plastic bags.
Gloves and face masks are recommended to prevent inhaling viral particles.
People are also advised to seal rodent entry points, set traps, and store food in rodent-proof containers.
Rodents that can spread hantavirus include the white-footed deer mouse, commonly found in Northern Nevada.
