New Mexico Department Of Health Announces Second Hantavirus Case In NM This Year

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 24 Jun 2009 - 5:00 PST

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The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that a 65-year-old man from San Miguel County is hospitalized in critical condition at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque with the state's second case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome this year. The Department of Health confirmed the case of Hantavirus on Wednesday and is conducting an environmental investigation to look for places where the man may have been exposed to the virus.

"Most exposures to Hantavirus occur in or around people's homes, especially when cleaning out enclosed areas that have lots of mouse droppings," said Dr. Paul Ettestad, the department's public health veterinarian. "You can also be exposed to Hantavirus when you camp, so it is important to avoid rodents and their droppings while recreating outdoors, and don't bring food inside your tent. The best defense against Hantavirus is to avoid disturbing areas of rodent infestation, including nests and droppings."

Hantavirus is a deadly disease transmitted by infected rodents through urine, droppings or saliva. People can contract the disease when they breathe in aerosolized virus. The deer mouse is the main carrier of Hantavirus in New Mexico. The Department of Health urges health-care workers and the general public to learn the symptoms of Hantavirus.

Early symptoms of Hantavirus are fever and muscle aches, possibly with chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cough. These symptoms develop within one to six weeks after rodent exposure. Although there is no specific treatment for Hantavirus, chances for recovery are better if medical attention is sought early.

To protect yourself, avoid contact with mice and other rodents. Other important steps are:

- Air out closed up buildings before entering.
- Seal up homes and cabins so mice can't enter.
- Trap mice until they are all gone.
- Clean up nests and droppings using a disinfectant.
- Put hay, wood, and compost piles as far as possible from your home.
- Get rid of trash and junk piles.
Don't leave your pet's food and water where mice can get to it.

The first Hantavirus case in 2009 was in a 25-year-old woman from Santa Fe County who recovered. In 2008, New Mexico had two cases of Hantavirus, both fatal, from Taos and Otero counties. For more information about Hantavirus, check out the Department's website, http://www.nmhealth.org/epi/hanta.html.

Source
New Mexico Department of Health

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