90-Second Read: Sin Nombre Hantavirus case tied to home mouse exposure in Chelan County

Chelan-Douglas Health District officials have confirmed a case of Hantavirus in a Chelan County resident, marking one of the occasional infections reported eac WENATCHEE, Wash. The case involves the Sin Nombre virus strain of Hantavirus, according to a statement released Friday by the Chelan-Douglas Health District. Health officials said there is no connection between the case and recently reported Andes virus Hantavirus cases associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship. RELATED | What exactly is Hantavirus and how concerned should Washington residents be?

Hantavirus infections are rare, but they can be severe. Health officials emphasized that the Sin Nombre virus does not spread from person to person. Health officials said activities such as spring cleaning or entering cabins, campers, sheds, garages, barns, crawl spaces, storage areas, and unused vehicles can increase the risk of exposure if rodents are present. Officials released a few details about the resident to protect the individual's and family's privacy.

Taking simple precautions while cleaning or working in areas where rodents may be present can significantly reduce the risk of exposure. People can become infected when virus particles become airborne and are inhaled, particularly while cleaning enclosed areas where rodents have been present. The health district said infection can also occur through contact with contaminated objects followed by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, or through bites or scratches from infected rodents. Deer mice are the primary carriers of the Sin Nombre virus in the western United States.