Hantavirus case confirmed in Chelan County resident

EAST WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Health District has confirmed a case of Sin Nombre virus hantavirus in a Chelan County resident.

Health officials said the case is not connected to recent Andes virus hantavirus cases associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship.

The health district said exposure most likely occurred in or around the resident’s home, where mice were reportedly encountered. Officials urged residents to take precautions while spring cleaning or entering enclosed spaces where rodents may be present.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare but serious respiratory disease caused by exposure to infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. People can become infected by breathing in airborne virus particles while cleaning enclosed areas where rodents have been present, including cabins, sheds, garages, barns, crawl spaces and storage areas.

The health district said the Sin Nombre virus, the strain found in rodents in the western United States, does not spread from person to person.

“Hantavirus infections are rare, but they can be severe. Counties in north central Washington do see occasional cases. There are typically one to five cases of Sin Nombre virus Hantavirus per year in Washington residents, seen throughout the state” said Dr. James Wallace, the public health officer for the Chelan-Douglas Health District. “Taking simple precautions while cleaning or working in areas where rodents may be present can significantly reduce the risk of exposure.”

Symptoms typically develop one to eight weeks after exposure and may initially resemble the flu. Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, chills and nausea. Later symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Hospital care is usually required, and about one-third of people diagnosed with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome die from the disease.

The health district advised residents to air out enclosed spaces for at least 30 minutes before cleaning and to wear gloves, respirators, goggles and disposable coveralls when handling rodent-contaminated materials. Officials also recommended spraying droppings and nesting materials with disinfectant or bleach solution before cleanup, using paper towels to remove waste and washing hands thoroughly afterward.

Residents are also advised to seal holes and gaps around homes and outbuildings, store food in rodent-proof containers and use snap traps if rodents are present. The health district said residents should not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings because doing so can spread virus particles into the air.