UPDATE - JUNE 27: 

Carson City Health and Human Services has confirmed a second case of hantavirus in Douglas County.

The new case involves a woman over the age of 50 who was hospitalized.

Like the first case reported earlier this year, the suspected exposure occurred during household renovations where contact with rodent droppings, urine, or nesting material may have taken place.

The investigation is ongoing.

Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal respiratory illness caused by breathing in particles from infected rodent waste.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38 percent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, which may be followed by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As the illness progresses, symptoms can include coughing and shortness of breath.

Health officials advise the public to take precautions when cleaning enclosed or undisturbed spaces where rodent activity is possible, especially during home renovations. To reduce risk:

  • Do not sweep or vacuum areas that may contain rodent droppings or nesting material.
  • Use a disinfectant solution of one part bleach to nine parts water (1.5 cups bleach to one gallon of water). Spray the solution and let it sit for five minutes before wiping with disposable materials.
  • Wear gloves and a face mask to avoid contact or inhalation.
  • Identify and seal openings where rodents may enter, and store food in rodent-proof containers.
  • Set traps where rodent activity is detected.

Rodents that can carry hantavirus, including the white-footed deer mouse, are present in Northern Nevada.

ORIGINAL STORY - MAY 21: 

Carson City Health and Human Services is reporting a case of Hantavirus in Douglas County. It is the county's first case of the disease since 2021.

The person infected has been identified as a man under the age of 50, according to a CCHHS press release. He was hospitalized.

The suspected exposure was from inhalation or direct contact with rodent droppings, urine, or nesting material disturbed during household renovations in the weeks before symptom development.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing.

Hantavirus is a respiratory infection that mainly occurs from breathing in particles of infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, and can be fatal.

According to the CDC, 38 percent of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

Early symptoms of Hantavirus include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. These may be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

As the infection progresses, later symptoms can develop, such as coughing and shortness of breath.