Arizona public health officials are cautioning about the hantavirus, a disease that spreads from rodents to humans and has led to an increase in a deadly pulmonary syndrome. The Arizona Department of Health Services has reported seven confirmed cases and three deaths in the past six months. For more information, check out the recent health alerts.
Most hantavirus cases are seen in the Western and Southwestern U.S., with most states reporting one to four cases per year. Two cases have been reported in California this year. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for hantavirus.
Arizona is recognized as one of the countries with the highest total number of reported infections. This outbreak marks the first hantavirus outbreak in the United States since 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Arizona from 2016 to 2022, there have been 11 reported cases of hantavirus, with four cases in 2016, two in 2017, four in 2020, and one in 2022.
Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, warns that hantaviruses can cause severe and potentially fatal respiratory infections, especially transmitted by rodents like deer mice.
San Diego County and the California Department of Public Health have also noted increased hantavirus activity this year.
Why are Arizona’s cases increasing?
The CDC has reported 850 cases from 1993 to 2021, averaging about 30 cases per year.
Changes in rodent populations affected by season and weather conditions could be contributing to the increase in hantavirus cases in Arizona. People are more likely to come into contact with rodents during the summer when they are more active.
Climate change and extreme weather events may also play a role in the spread of hantavirus.
Dr. Camilo Mora, a professor at the University of Hawaii, warns that climate change could impact the spread of disease-carrier species, leading to potential outbreaks.
Experts emphasize the need for careful handling of rodent excrement and avoidance of contact with rodents to prevent hantavirus infections.
Hantavirus Symptoms
Hantavirus particles are released into the air when disturbed, leading to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).
HPS symptoms may appear 1 to 8 weeks after contact with an infected rodent and can progress to serious lung infections if left untreated.
- fever
- malaise
- muscle pain
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Approximately 38% of people with pulmonary symptoms from hantavirus may die from the disease.
How to Prevent Hantavirus
Cleaning up rodent excrement and avoiding contact with rodents are key prevention measures according to experts.
Spring cleaning activities like opening and cleaning closed spaces could increase the risk of rodent infestation and hantavirus exposure.
Proper precautions should be taken when entering closed and unoccupied spaces that may have rodents present.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
