Suspected case of hantavirus in Ontario County on Thursday
WHEC.com • • health
Key Points:
- Ontario County Public Health (OCPH) is investigating a possible locally-acquired hantavirus case but confirms no connection to recent cruise ship infections and no risk to the general public.
- Hantavirus is transmitted through contact with mice, rodent droppings, urine, feces, and saliva, with common exposure risks during cleaning activities like sweeping and vacuuming.
- OCPH advises wearing masks, gloves, and protective gear when cleaning areas such as attics, cabins, and sheds, along with washing hands and clothing afterward to prevent infection.
- Public health director Kate Ott emphasized the need to address public concerns due to social media influence and recent cruise ship outbreaks, despite hantavirus infections being rare since mandatory reporting began in 1995.