An Arizona resident has died from hantavirus in Mohave County.
According to the Mohave County Department of Public Health, the death occurred in the Kingman area and was linked to a strain of hantavirus called the Sin Nombre virus.
The Sin Nombre virus is not related to the Andes strain of the virus that led to recent deaths on a cruise ship in the South Atlantic. A key difference between the two strains is that the Sin Nombre virus found in the Southwest is not known for person-to-person transmission.
The Sin Nombre virus is carried by deer mice and most cases stem from contact with rodents or rodent droppings.
Arizona averages 3.5 hantavirus cases per year, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
"Although hantavirus is uncommon, awareness and prevention are important, especially for people spending time outdoors or cleaning areas where rodents may be present," Mohave County Department of Public Health Director Melissa Palmer said in a press release.
When rodents, nest materials or rodent droppings are present, the Mohave County Public Health Department recommends precautions:
- Seal holes and gaps around homes, garages, sheds and other structures to prevent rodents from entering
- Store food, pet food and garbage in rodent-resistant containers
- Air out enclosed spaces for at least 30 minutes before cleaning
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings, which can stir contaminated dust into the air
- Spray droppings or nests with a disinfectant solution and allow it to soak at least 15 minutes before cleanup
- Wear gloves and a well-fitting mask when cleaning contaminated areas
- Place waste in sealed plastic bags and dispose of it properly
- Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning up
- If you cannot safely clean the area yourself, consider contacting a licensed pest control or remediation professional for assistance.
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