Monogram - Hantavirus (April 2024)

A Person in Sierra County Has Died From Hantavirus, A Mouse Disease

A person in Sierra County recently died from hantavirus. This is a disease that deer mice can carry. The specific type of hantavirus in our area is called Sin Nombre Virus (SNV). While it's not common for people to get hantavirus, it can be very serious and even deadly. But there are some simple steps you can take to avoid getting it.

This is the first hantavirus case in our state in 2024. California usually has around 3 cases per year. Many of these cases over time have been in Mono County, where the risk is higher than other areas.

When people get the SNV type of hantavirus, it often affects their lungs and heart. This is called hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS or HPS). About 1 out of 3 people with HCPS die from it.

The first symptoms of hantavirus can seem like the flu. This includes fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes stomach issues like vomiting or diarrhea. After a few days, you may start coughing as the lungs get infected. Then breathing becomes very difficult. If you have flu-like symptoms, with stomach issues, followed by a cough and trouble breathing, it could be hantavirus.

Deer mice in our area often carry hantavirus. They spread it through their urine, poop, and spit. You can get infected by breathing in the virus when mouse nests or droppings are disturbed. This kicks up dust with live virus into the air. In our area, people have gotten sick in the spring when they open up cabins or sheds that mice lived in over winter.

To stay safe from hantavirus:

• If an area has been closed up, open windows for 30 minutes before going inside.
• For mouse droppings, spray them with a 10% bleach solution or disinfectant made to kill viruses. Let it soak for 5 minutes before cleaning up.
• Avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings, as this can spread the virus into the air.
• Wear an N-95 mask if there is a bad mouse infestation.

For more details and trusted websites about hantavirus, please see our latest Monogram newsletter (attached).