(Salt Lake City, UT)
– Utah public health officials have confirmed two deaths as a result of
hantavirus exposure. The deaths occurred
in Millard County and in Salt Lake County as a result of Hantavirus Pulmonary
Syndrome (HPS), a rare, but deadly, lung disease.
HPS is spread by breathing in dust around rodent-infested
areas that contain hantavirus, and is not spread from person-to-person. This
can happen when rodent urine and droppings that contain hantavirus become
airborne. The average age of known cases is 35 years with an age range of 11 to
69 years. No ethnic group appears to be
more at risk than another.
Activities that can put people at risk include:
• Improperly cleaning
up mouse and rat urine, droppings and nests.
• Cleaning a shed or
cabin that has been closed for some time.
• Working in areas
where mice and rats may live (such as barns).
Although HPS is rare, infection can be prevented by avoiding
contact with rodents and their droppings.
Try to avoid any activities that might stir up dust around
rodent-infested areas.
To safely clean up rodent urine and droppings, wear a mask,
glasses, and rubber or plastic gloves. Get the urine and droppings very wet
with disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water. Allow to soak for five minutes. Use a paper towel to wipe up urine or
droppings and throw the towel into the garbage. Mop the area with disinfectant
or a bleach solution.
When finished, wash gloved hands with soap and water or
spray a disinfectant or bleach solution on the gloves before taking them
off. Wash hands with soap and warm water
after removing the gloves.
The recommended cleaning solution is a mixture of 1½ cups
household bleach and 1 gallon of water.
A smaller amount can be made with one part bleach and 10 parts
water.
Hantavirus symptoms generally begin with a fever greater
than 100.5° F, muscle aches, and chills.
Other common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, nausea and
vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Less
common symptoms are dizziness or a light-headed feeling, sweating, and joint,
back, chest, or abdominal pain. If you experience symptoms, contact your
medical provider immediately.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Ward
Media Coordinator
(801) 538-6822 (o)
(801) 647-5421 (m)
Media Contact:
Rebecca Ward
Media Coordinator
(801) 538-6822 (o)
(801) 647-5421 (m)
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