KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

2 cases of hantavirus turn deadly in Coconino County

More cases of hantavirus are popping up in Coconino County, and two of them turned fatal.

There have been three cases in the last 15 months, compared to seven in the last decade.

Joel Bunis is the outbreak response division manager for the county. He says there’s no explanation for the rise in cases, but people are advised to take precautions if they get close to rodent droppings, which carry the virus.

Hantavirus is spread primarily by deer mice in Arizona.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hantavirus is spread primarily by rodents, including deer mice, which are found in Arizona.

“Open up the windows, let the place air out and when you sweep it up, do so gently so as not to stir up the dust and then pick it up with like a paper towel or a rag and double bag it in like, you know, two baggies before you throw it out,” he said.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, fatigue, muscle aches and difficulty breathing.

Senior field correspondent Bridget Dowd has a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Related Content