First Hantavirus Case of 2024
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2 0 , 2024
Department of Health reports first hantavirus pulmonary syndrome case of 2024
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division confirm s the year’s first case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) . A man living in San Juan County was hospitalized a nd released and is now doing fine according to his doctor.
HPS however is often a severe, sometimes fatal, respiratory disease in humans caused by the Sin Nombre virus. New Mexico had seven cases in 2023 of HPS in residents of McKinley, San Juan and Taos c ounties. Two of these patients died.
In New Mexico, deer mice are the main carriers of hantavirus. The virus is found in mice dro p p i n g s and urine, and people are usually exposed to hantavirus around their homes, cabins or sheds especially when they clean out or explore enclosed areas tha t have mouse dro p p i n g s.
“ Mice tend to try to enter buildings to find shelter, so it is important to seal up homes and other structures ,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps, DVM, MPH . “There is no specific treatment for HPS, but chances for recovery are better when medical attention is sought early - and the healthcare provider is informed about any environmental contact with rodents. ”
Symptoms typically develop within one to six weeks after rodent exposure and may look and feel like the flu or a “stomach bug . ” People with HPS may develop fever and muscle aches, possibly with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cough which progresses to respiratory distress and severe illness.
A void exposure to rodents and their nests – and reduce risks of contracting hantavirus, by follow ing these important steps:
Air out closed‐up buildings such as cabins and sheds, as well as abandoned or stored vehicles before entering. Trap mice until they are all gone . Seal up homes and shelters to prevent rodents from entering . Soak nests and droppings with a disinfectant such as a 10 % bleach solution before cleaning them up . Do not sweep up rodent dro p p i n g s into the air where they can be inhaled . Put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home . Get rid of trash and junk piles . Don’t leave your pet’s food and water where mice can get to it .
For more information about this virus , including fact sheets in English and Spanish, visit the Department of Health’s HPS webpag e .
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