The Department of Health today reported that a McCook County resident has died of Hantavirus associated causes. This is the third Hantavirus-associated death in southeastern South Dakota in the past three years. Previous deaths were in Turner and Bon Homme counties.

Hantavirus is caused by a virus carried by rodents. It can result in Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) which causes the lungs to fill with fluid and can cause respiratory failure.

It was first detected in 1993 in the southwestern United States. Since 1993, approximately 440 cases have been reported in the nation. South Dakota has reported 13 cases since 1993, 69% of which have been East River and 31% West River.

“With the change in the weather this is the time of year when mice start moving indoors so it’s important to practice rodent control in and around the home,” said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, State Epidemiologist for the Department of Health.

Kightlinger said the potential for cases exists statewide because the primary carrier of the virus is the deer mouse, which is found statewide. People become infected when they breathe in aerosolized virus from the droppings, urine or saliva of the mice.

Symptoms usually appear within two to four weeks of exposure and include fatigue, a fever of 101-104°, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. Individuals who have been around rodents and have symptoms of fever, deep muscle aches and severe shortness of breath should see their doctor immediately.

Rodent control in and around the home is the best way to prevent Hantavirus infection:

Seal gaps around roofs, attics, basements, windows, doors, foundations, vents, air conditioners, and under sinks and other pipes
Set snap traps in places where mice, nesting materials, urine or droppings have been seen.

Wear rubber or plastic gloves when handling dead rodents or rodent droppings.

Spray dead mouse, urine or droppings with a disinfectant or a mixture of 1½ cups household bleach and 1 gallon of water. Soak for 5 minutes before wiping up with a paper towel or rag.

Place the paper towel, mouse, trap and nesting materials in a plastic bag and seal it. Place in a second bag and seal that as well.

Mop or sponge the area with a disinfectant or bleach solution. Don't use vacuum cleaners or brooms, since they may create aerosols.

Wash gloved hands with soap and water before removing gloves; wash hands with soap and water after taking off gloves.

Reduce rodent food sources and nesting sites by keeping your home and yard free of junk and rubbish. Use thick plastic or metal containers with tight lids for garbage and for storing pet food.

For more information about Hantavirus and cleanup recommendations, see the web at http://doh.sd.gov/DiseaseFacts/hantavirus.aspx or www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hps/.