90-Second Read: Hantavirus death reported in Mohave County

Mohave County health officials reported a Hantavirus death in the Kingman area on Monday. Health officials emphasized that the strain the Kingman resident died from is completely different from the Andes strain that started a Hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship in April. The Kingman victim died from the Sin Nombre strain of Hantavirus, which is historically found in Arizona and the Southwest.

While authorities do not know exactly where the individual was exposed, they have not ruled out local transmission. The Sin Nombre virus does not spread from person to person. People are often infected by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings, urine, saliva or nesting materials.

Because of this, officials urge people to use caution when cleaning out garages, RVs and seasonal cabins. Early symptoms of Hantavirus include fever, chills, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea and muscle aches. If you encounter rodent droppings, take safety precautions, such as wearing masks and gloves, and avoid stirring up dust.