90-Second Read: Hantavirus Death Confirmed in Colorado as Health Officials Launch Investigation

On Saturday, May 16, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed that a resident of Douglas County contracted the rodent-borne virus, resulting in their death. Officials said the case is not linked to the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which led to three deaths and at least 10 confirmed cases. Health officials note that the risk of Hantavirus can be reduced by eliminating or minimizing contact with rodents in the home, workplace or campsite.

The CDPHE said that preliminary evidence suggests that the individual's infection was acquired by local exposure to rodents. The individual reportedly contracted the Sin Nombre Hantavirus, the most common cause of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), according to the Centers for Disease Control. In Colorado, the deer mouse is the rodent species that most commonly exposes people to the virus.

Further information about the patient has not been released. Hantavirus is an infectious disease that's normally spread through contact with rodents such as deer mice, cotton rats, rice rats, and the white-footed mouse. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back and shoulders, coughing and shortness of breath.