Coconino County health officials reported an increase in hantavirus cases over the past 15 months, with two deaths.
The respiratory virus is linked to wild rodents, specifically deer mice, health officials said in a news release Friday. The last case in Coconino County dates back to 2016, officials added.
Hantavirus causes a potentially fatal illness called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which causes fever, muscle pain and difficulty breathing.
The Coconino County Health and Human Services Department noted that hantavirus activity is also increasing in Arizona. Between January 1 and July 1, 2024, there were seven confirmed cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in Arizona, with three deaths.
Health officials said the virus is not confined to one location and can be present anywhere in the South West.
Hantaviruses spread from rodents through viral droplets that are stirred up by stirring up material contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or excrement.
However, the virus does not spread from person to person.
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The Coconino County Health and Human Services Department offered the following tips to help prevent the spread of the virus:
- Before you start cleaning, open all doors and windows, especially in areas that have been closed for a long time, such as garages, sheds, holiday homes that aren't used all year round, etc. Leave them open for 30 minutes before cleaning and allow direct sunlight if possible.
- Do not vacuum, sweep or otherwise stir up dust from infected areas as this can release virus particles into the air, where they can be inhaled and cause infection.
- If you find mouse droppings or nests in or around your home, spray them liberally with a household disinfectant (such as one part bleach to nine parts water) and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes. If you have mouse droppings or nests, you should spray them with an insecticide to kill the fleas before disinfecting or disposing of the carcasses.
- After disinfecting, put on rubber gloves and wipe up the feces with disposable materials such as paper towels, rags or disposable mop heads.
- Place all material, droppings and nests in double plastic bags, seal and dispose of in the trash.
Tips to keep your home mouse-proof:
- Prevent rodents from getting into your home by blocking or sealing all holes and gaps larger than 1/4 inch in diameter. Use steel wool, thick chicken wire, metal flashing, or cement to seal holes.
- Eliminate or reduce rodent hiding places around your home by removing outdoor junk and trash and moving things like firewood piles, lumber and hay bales as far away from the house as possible.
- Keep food out of reach of rodents, do not leave pet food in dishes, and dispose of trash in trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Using traps and proper extermination will help prevent rats from entering your home.
