Two people have died from hantavirus in Coconino County in the past 15 months. Health officials say there are three total cases of hantavirus in the county and seven total cases in Arizona. Hantaviruses are transmitted to humans by rodents, specifically deer mice in Arizona. Viral droplets are spread through the air by handling or stirring materials contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or feces. Hantaviruses do not spread from person to person. The last reported case of hantavirus in Coconino County was in 2016.

To prevent HPS, public health officials recommend the following cleaning practices for areas where there may be rodent activity:

• 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 an infected area 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.

Protect your home from mice:

• 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.

For more information about hantavirus, click here: