Hantavirus death reported in Spokane County; Man likely exposed in Adams County

The Adams County Health Department and Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) announced July 6 a Spokane County man in his 50s has died from complications of hantavirus disease, or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

The rare respiratory illness is caused by infection with a hantavirus, usually spread by infected mice droppings.

The man likely came into contact with the virus inside a barn located in Adams County.

This is Spokane’s first-ever confirmed case of, and fatality attributed to, hantavirus while this is Adams County’s second confirmed death from the disease.

“We want to acknowledge how tragic this unexpected death must be for this man’s family and friends,” said Dr. Bob Lutz, SRHD health officer.

“Although the reality is this type of death is rare in our area, we need to balance it with a message of precaution.”

In the Northwest, deer mice are the only carriers of this hantavirus strain. The greatest risk for exposure occurs when people enter enclosed areas with mice infestation and poor air circulation.

The virus, which is found in mice urine, droppings and saliva, gets in the air as mist or dust when droppings or nests are disturbed. It can be spread to humans who then inhale the virus.

Hantavirus can also be transmitted by handling mice or by touching the nose or mouth after handling contaminated materials. Hantavirus disease is not transmitted from person to person.

To avoid contact with potentially infectious mice and their habitats, officials urge people to follow safety precautions when working in or cleaning barns, sheds, outbuildings, warehouses, and summer cabins that have not been occupied.

Infected deer mice can infest homes as well. Seal holes and gaps in the home or garage and place traps in and around the house to decrease infestation. Clean up any easy-to-get food and feed pets indoors.

Despite this being Spokane County’s first hantavirus case and death, Washington cases typically occur east of the Cascade Mountains.

In Adams County, there have been five confirmed cases since 1994, the most recent occurring in 2014, with one hantavirus-related death occurring in 2009.

In recent years, there were on average two confirmed cases in the state. Yet, per Washington State Department of Health (DOH) officials, this is the state’s fifth case of hantavirus disease in 2017 and third death.

The other confirmed cases occurred in eastern counties, with two cases in King County, and one in both Skagit and Franklin counties.

In recent years, there were on average two confirmed cases in the state.

Hantavirus was first recognized in 1993. Between 1993 and 2001, over 1,100 deer mice were tested in the state for infection from the virus—about 14 percent tested positive.

Since recognition of the virus, 47 cases were reported statewide through 2015 with 16 (34 percent) associated deaths. Washington has the fifth largest number of cases in the United States.

Hantavirus disease symptoms in humans are flu-like and usually begin one to three weeks after exposure, but can occur up to eight weeks after exposure.

The illness is characterized by fever, chills and muscle aches, followed by the abrupt onset of respiratory distress and shortness of breath.

Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

If an individual experiences an abrupt onset of flu-like symptoms after cleaning rodent waste, they should consult their health care provider immediately.

There is neither a vaccine to prevent infections, nor is there a treatment other than supportive care.

As residents begin to open campers or trailers that have been vacant in the winter months, they are advised to proceed with caution as mice may have taken up residence within the enclosed area.

The doors and windows should be opened to help ventilate the area for at least 30 minutes.

When cleaning space where mice have been, do not stir dust by sweeping, vacuuming or dusting, as airborne dusts spread the virus. Individuals should wear rubber or latex gloves and sensible work clothes when cleaning.

The affected area should be sprayed thoroughly with disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water. It should be allowed to soak for five minutes.

Use a paper towel to pick up and clean the mouse debris, and dispose of the waste immediately in a garbage receptacle.

Residents should then clean and disinfect the whole area, and steam clean all carpets and furniture. Contaminated clothing or bedding should be washed in hot water with detergent.

After completing the cleaning, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.

For more information on hantavirus, visit the Washington State Department of Health website at http://doh.wa.gov, and national information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control website http://cdc.gov/hantavirus/index.html.