Printed From: Avian Flu Talk
Category: State Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Washington
Forum Description: (General discussion & latest news)
URL: http://www.avianflutalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=37304 Printed Date: April 24 2024 at 11:42am
Topic: Grant Country: Hantavirus CasePosted By: Technophobe
Subject: Grant Country: Hantavirus Case
Date Posted: May 06 2018 at 3:55am
Hantavirus: Suspect case reported in Grant County, Washington
by http://outbreaknewstoday.com/author/news-desk/" rel="nofollow -
News Desk
May 5, 2018
Health District officials are investigating a suspected case of
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in a middle-aged Grant County
resident. The individual is believed to have been exposed to
contaminated deer mouse droppings while cleaning out their vehicle.
According to the family, the ill individual is improving but is still
hospitalized with respiratory failure from the illness that began the
middle of April. Preliminary test results were positive for Hantavirus
infection; confirmatory results are pending.
If confirmed, this case will be the first hantavirus case reported in
Grant County in six years. In 2012, two Grant County residents died of
HPS from unrelated incidents. On average, 1 to 5 confirmed Hantavirus
cases are reported each year in Washington.
http://outbreaknewstoday.com/seattle-hantavirus-and-an-interesting-transmission-theory-48795/" rel="nofollow - Seattle, hantavirus and an interesting transmission theory
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare illness caused by a
virus found in the urine, droppings and saliva of infected rodents. In
Washington State, deer mice are the only carriers of the virus.
A person can get HPS by breathing in particles contaminated with
hantavirus. This can happen when dust from dried rodent urine, saliva,
and droppings that contain hantavirus are stirred up in the air. People
can also get infected by touching rodent urine, droppings, or nesting
materials that contain the virus, and then touching their eyes, nose, or
mouth. It’s also possible to get HPS from a rodent bite. The disease
does not spread person-to-person. The greatest risk occurs when people
enter enclosed areas with rodent infestation and poor air circulation,
such as sheds and other outbuildings, cabins, building crawl spaces,
vehicles and campers.
HPS illness usually begins one to six weeks after a person breathes
in the virus. Early signs include fever, muscle aches, headaches,
dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting. As the disease gets worse,
it causes coughing and shortness of breath and can lead to respiratory
failure. People with hantavirus are usually hospitalized, and about one
out of three people diagnosed with HPS have died. If you have been
exposed to rodents or rodent infested buildings and have symptoms, see
your doctor immediately and tell them about your possible rodent
exposure.
How should rodent-infested areas be cleaned? If you do have a rodent
infestation, it’s important to take precautions when entering these
spaces and during cleaning.
Before entering rodent-infested spaces, “air-out” the space by
opening multiple doors and windows for at least 30 minutes to allow
fresh air to circulate. Leave the area while it is airing out.
Wear rubber or plastic gloves. A dust mask may provide some
protection against dust, molds, and insulation fibers, but does not
protect against viruses. A properly fitted N-95 mask will offer better
protection.
Do not vacuum, sweep, or otherwise stir up dust.
Thoroughly spray contaminated areas including trapped mice,
droppings, and nests with a mixture of bleach and water: o Mix 1½ cups
of household bleach in 1 gallon of water (or 1 part bleach to 9 parts
water). o Soak area for 10 minutes, then remove all of the nest
material, mice or droppings with damp paper towels and throw the paper
towels in the garbage. o Mop or sponge the area with bleach solution.
Wash gloves with disinfectant or soap and water before taking them off. Remove the gloves, then wash hands with soap and water.
Steam clean or shampoo upholstered furniture, carpets and car
interiors, and wash any bedding or clothing in hot water if you see any
mouse or rat urine or droppings on them.
Areas with heavy infestation (piled up droppings, numerous nests and
dead rodents) require extra precaution. Professional cleaning and/or
pest control services may be needed.