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.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“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.