90-Second Read: Mohave County health officials report first Hantavirus death in Kingman

The Mohave County Department of Public Health announced the first Hantavirus death in the Kingman area. In a release, health officials confirmed a case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in a Mohave County resident who died from the illness. MORE ON FOX5: Southern Nevada Health District releases 5-year Community Health plan The source of exposure for the Kingman case could not be determined, but local transmission cannot be ruled out. The type of Hantavirus found in Arizona is known as Sin Nombre virus, which is carried primarily by deer mice.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms after potential rodent exposure should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the exposure. The best way to prevent Hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodents and rodent-contaminated materials. Additional information about Hantavirus prevention and safe cleanup practices is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/Hantavirus. This is the strain historically associated with cases in Arizona and the Southwest.

Sin Nombre virus is not known to spread from person to person. Most infections occur when individuals breathe in dust contaminated with the urine, droppings, saliva or nesting materials of infected rodents. People who are opening seasonal cabins, preparing RVs for travel, cleaning out garages, clearing out overly cluttered homes or working in outbuildings should take extra precautions before disturbing dust or debris. Symptoms may develop one to eight weeks after exposure and often begin with fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

As illness progresses, some individuals may develop cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Spray droppings or nests with a disinfectant or bleach solution and allow the solution to soak for at least 15 minutes. Place waste in sealed plastic bags and dispose of it properly.