Hantavirus case confirmed in Quad-County region near Carson City

Key Points:

• Carson City Health and Human Services has confirmed a case of hantavirus in the Quad-County region, which includes Storey, Lyon, Douglas counties, and Carson City, but states there is no current public health threat.
• Hantavirus is a serious respiratory infection transmitted primarily through inhalation of particles from infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, with a fatality rate of about 38% in severe cases.
• Early symptoms include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, progressing to coughing and shortness of breath; individuals exposed to rodents or their waste should seek medical attention immediately.
• Preventative measures emphasize minimizing contact with rodents and their habitats, using bleach solutions for cleaning contaminated areas, wearing protective gear, and sealing entry points to control rodent presence.
• The white-footed deer mouse, common in Northern Nevada, is a known carrier of hantavirus, highlighting the importance of rodent control in the region.