Washoe County man in his 20s dies of hantavirus

On Tuesday, the Washoe County Health District reported the first hantavirus death of 2020 in the county.

The man, who was in his 20s, is from the southern part of Washoe County and was likely hospitalized due to his exposure to rodent droppings, according to the health district.

Infected rodents can carry hantavirus and release it in their droppings, urine or saliva, which can then be transmitted to people breathing in the contaminated air.

“We are saddened to report this death due to hantavirus,” said Kevin Dick, health officer for the Washoe County Health District. “While rare, this disease is very serious and a reminder for other residents to be very careful in areas where rodents, especially deer mice, are active. Our thoughts go out to the family of this resident.”

According to the health district, this is the third hantavirus death in Washoe County since May 2019 and an estimated 38 percent of hantavirus cases are fatal.

Rodents exhibit no symptoms of the hantavirus so the health district is urging people to be cautious in places where rodents are present and to clean up any signs of rodents in your home.

Here are a few other ways the Washoe County Health District recommends to combat hantavirus by cleaning up rodent activity:

• Do not sweep or vacuum the area with urine, droppings, or nesting material.
• A solution of 1-part bleach to 10 parts water should be used when cleaning urine and/or droppings. Let it set for 5 minutes before cleaning the area.
• Wear gloves (i.e., latex, vinyl, rubber) and a face mask to avoid touching or breathing in viral particles.
• Identify areas where mice are getting in and set traps.
• Identify and plug openings that may allow rodents entry.  A deer mouse can fit through an opening the size of a nickel.  Plug holes using steel wool and put caulk around the steel wool to keep in in place.

Follow reporter Terell Wilkins on Twitter, @terelljwilkins, call him at 252-367-8463 or email him at twilkins@rgj.com.