Richland County Man Tests Positive For Hantavirus
The Department of Public Health and Human Services has confirmed that a man from Richland County has been diagnosed with hantavirus. According to DPHHS, the individual contracted the illness while working out of state where he had occupational exposure to mice. The man was hospitalized but is now at home recovering.
Hantavirus infections are relatively rare in the U.S. and in Montana. Early symptoms of hantavirus include fatigue, fever and muscle aches with progression to coughing and extreme shortness of breath. The infection can cause severe illness. Twenty-five percent of Montana’s cases have resulted in death. Medical care is essential to survival and can help victims through the period of severe respiratory distress.
DPHHS warns that spring and summer present special virus-related risks.
“Although hantavirus infection can occur during any month, the risk of exposure is increased in the spring and summer as people are cleaning cabins and sheds, and are spending more time outside which may result in rodent exposures,” said Erika Baldry, epidemiologist for the DPHHS.
Studies have shown that deer mice are the most common hosts of the virus. People can become infected with hantavirus when saliva, urine, or droppings from an infected deer mouse are stirred up and inhaled. It is important to avoid activities that raise dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming, if there are signs of rodents in the area.
DPHHS and local public health agencies remind Montanans and visitors to the state to be aware of the risk of hantavirus and to take precautions to avoid exposures to rodents, their droppings and nests. This is Montana’s first hantavirus case in 2021 and is the state’s 45th case since it was first identified in the state in 1993. Previously, the most recently reported case was in 2018.
The best protection against hantavirus is to control rodent populations in the places where people live and work. DPHHS recommends that residents prevent mouse entry into homes and sheds by sealing up holes and gaps in walls and use snap traps to eliminate any mice indoors. When cleanup is complete, dispose of sponges and paper towels used to clean. Remove and discard gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
For those who think they have been exposed to hantavirus, monitoring for symptoms is vital. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and shortness of breath after a potential rodent exposure should see a medical provider.
For more information on hantavirus and prevention of disease, visit dphhs.mt.gov.
