Grant County reports first case of hantavirus in Washington this year



GRANT COUNTY, Wash. – Grant County health officials are investigating the first reported case of hantavirus (HPS) in Washington this year.

According to a news release from the health district, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) was confirmed in a young adult from Grant County on May 10. Flu-like symptoms began in late April, then progressed into respiratory failure that required a stay in the hospital. 

The person survived the illness and is continuing to recover at home.  

This is the first case of HPS reported in Washington this year and the fourth case reported in Grant County in the past decade.

Another Grant County resident survived hantavirus illness this time last year (2018) — a reminder that the risk of exposure to hantavirus increases in the Spring.

The previous two Grant County cases occurred in 2012; both were fatal.

Washington is the fifth leading state for HPS cases.  On average, 1 to 5 confirmed cases are reported in Washington each year and even though cases have occurred throughout our state, most have been reported from counties in central Washington.

What is HPS?

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare illness caused by a virus found in the urine, droppings and saliva of infected rodents.  Deer mice are the only carriers of the virus in Washington State.  Because deer mice are present in all parts of Grant County, the risk of hantavirus is also county-wide.

How do people get HPS?

A person can get HPS by breathing in hantavirus when dust from dried rodent urine, saliva and droppings that contain the virus, is stirred up in the air.  People can also get HPS through direct contact with infected deer mice or by touching rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials that contain the virus, and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.  The disease does not spread person-to-person.  The greatest risk occurs when people enter enclosed areas with rodent infestation and poor air circulation, such as sheds and other outbuildings, cabins, building crawl spaces, vehicles and RVs. 

What are the symptoms of HPS?

HPS illness usually begins one to six weeks after a person breathes in the virus.  Early signs include fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting.  As the disease gets worse, it causes coughing and shortness of breath, and can lead to respiratory failure.  People with hantavirus are usually hospitalized, and about one out of three people diagnosed with HPS have died. 

If you have been exposed to rodents or rodent infested buildings and have symptoms, see your doctor immediately and tell them about your possible rodent exposure.

How can HPS be prevented?   

You can prevent HPS by avoiding wild rodents and keeping them out of the places you live, work and play.  Remove their sources of food, water, and shelter and keep these areas rodent-proofed. Seal up cracks and gaps in buildings that are larger than ¼ inch, including window and door sills, under sinks around the pipes, in foundations, attics, and any rodent entry hole.

If you encounter an area with known or suspected rodent infestation, it’s important to take precautions, especially when entering enclosed spaces where rodents have been.


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