Virus spread by wild rodents kills 2 people in Coconino County

Coconino County health officials reported that two people have died from hantavirus following an increase in cases over the past 15 months.

The respiratory virus is associated with wild rodents, primarily the deer mouse, according to health officials in a Friday news release. The last case in Coconino County dated back to 2016, officials added.

Hantavirus causes a potentially fatal illness known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can lead to fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing.

Coconino County Health and Human Services noted that Arizona has also been experiencing an increase in hantavirus activity. From January 1 to July 1, 2024, seven human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have been confirmed, resulting in three deaths in Arizona.

The virus is not limited to one location and could be present anywhere in the southwest, the health department said.

Hantavirus is spread from rodents through viral droplets agitated from stirring up material contaminated with rodent urine, saliva or feces.

The virus, however, is not spread from person to person.

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Coconino County Health and Human Services provided the following tips to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Prior to starting cleanup, open all doors and windows, especially in areas that have been closed for an extended period such as a garage, storage shed or second homes that are not used year-round. Leave open for 30 minutes before cleaning and if possible, allow direct sunlight on the area.
• Do not stir up dust in the infested area by vacuuming, sweeping, or any other means. This will allow virus particles to go into the air, where they can be breathed in, potentially causing infection.
• When rodent droppings or nests are found in and around the home, spray them liberally with a household disinfectant (such as one-part bleach to nine-parts water) and allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes. Any rodent droppings and rodent nests should be sprayed with a pesticide to kill fleas before disinfecting or disposing of the carcasses.
• After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and clean up the droppings with disposable materials such as paper towels, rags, or disposable mop heads.
• Seal all materials, droppings or nests in double plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash.

Following tips to rodent-proof a home:

• Prevent rodents from entering the home by plugging or sealing all holes and gaps to the outside greater than 1/4-inch in diameter. Use steel wool, thick wire screen, metal flashing or cement to seal holes.
• Eliminate or reduce rodent shelter around the home by removing outdoor junk and clutter, and by moving woodpiles, lumber, hay bales etc. as far away from the house as possible.
• Do not make food easily available to rodents. Do not leave pet food in dishes and dispose of garbage in trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Prevent mice infestation inside your home with the use of traps and proper removal.