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Grant County resident dies of hantavirus

Jun 26, 20240
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A young person likely exposed to rodents in Grant County died from a virus often acquired while cleaning in conditions where rodent waste is present.

Grant County Health District said a person in their 20s had a known exposure to rodents, likely inside a vehicle, before falling ill.

The last confirmed case of Hantavirus in Grant County occurred in 2019. This is the sixth case of Hantavirus in Grant County in the past 20 years and the first reported case in Washington in 2024.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our community members due to Hantavirus. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the loved ones of this individual,” stated Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but sometimes deadly illness caused by a virus found in the urine, droppings, and saliva of infected rodents. In Washington state, deer mice are the carriers of the virus.

People become sick with Hantavirus by breathing in contaminated dust from fresh urine, droppings, or nests of infected rodents. The greatest risk occurs in enclosed areas, such as sheds, cabins, or vehicles, with rodent infestation and poor air circulation. People can also be infected when they touch objects contaminated with the virus and then touch their nose or mouth. It cannot spread from one person to another.

The illness usually begins one to six weeks after being exposed. Early signs include mild flu-like symptoms. Hospitalization is usually necessary, and a little over one-third of cases result in death.

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To prevent Hantavirus

GCHD recommends the following when cleaning areas where deer mice and other rodents may be present:

• Ventilate the space before cleaning by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes.

• Avoid stirring up dust; don’t use a leaf blower, vacuum, broom, or cleaning methods such as dry dusting.

• Wear rubber, latex, vinyl, or nitrile (synthetic rubber) gloves.

• Thoroughly wet any contaminated areas — including trapped or dead rodents, droppings, and nests — with a 10% bleach solution.

Here’s how to do it:

• Mix 1½ cups of household bleach in 1 gallon of cold water (or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Make this solution fresh before each use.

• Use a spray bottle to spray the affected area with bleach and water solution until very wet. Let everything soak for 5-10 minutes.

• Use paper towels or rags that can be discarded to pick up or wipe up rodents, nest material, mice, and/or droppings, and/or urine.

• Mop or sponge the area with the bleach solution.

• Double-bag the dirty rags and any dead rodents and place them in a sealed garbage can.

• Wash gloves with disinfectant or soap and water before removing them, then wash your hands with soap and water after removing your gloves.

Rodent

infestation

in vehicles

Rodents may enter vehicles through rust holes, vents, and other openings. Once inside, they may build nests in engine compartments, ducting and air filtration components, trunks, spare tire compartments, glove boxes, etc. If you suspect a vehicle may be infested by mice, protect yourself from hantavirus by taking the following actions:

Before inspecting the vehicle, open all doors and the engine compartment to air it out for at least 30 mins. Do not start the vehicle.

Wearing gloves and a long-sleeved shirt, carefully inspect the vehicle for rodent nesting material, droppings, and dead rodents.

Soak areas of the vehicle where you have found droppings and nesting materials with the bleach solution described above.

Use paper towels to pick up any nesting material or droppings and dispose of the waste in a sealed outdoor garbage container. Do not vacuum, sweep, or dust.

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