1 Person in Chelan County Has Hantavirus, and No, They Were Not on That Cruise Ship
Hantavirus Is Present in Chelan County, WA: Here's What We Know
According to a report from KPQ.com, one Chelan County resident has been confirmed to have a mice-related Hantavirus infection. The individual, who has the Sin Nombre virus strain, not present on the MV Hondius cruise ship, where three passengers died from the Andres strain of Hantavirus.
Three residents in King County, who were on the MV Hondius cruise ship, are being monitored for the Andres virus strain by the Seattle-King County Public Health District.
The Results Were Determined in a Lab
Scientists at the Chelan-Douglas County Health District performed lab tests and results came back conclusive that the victim, who was exposed to mice droppings, had Sin Nombre virus (SNV) Hantavirus.
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The CDC says it takes from 1 week to 8 weeks after you've been exposed before symptoms will show up. It's those tiny particles in the air from mice excrement that can spread through the air straight into your nose, eyes, ears, mouth, and other open crevices.
"Health officials remind community members to take precautions, especially during spring cleaning and when entering enclosed spaces where rodents may be present." - Chelan- Douglas County Health District
How to Avoid Catching or Spreading Hantavirus from Mice in Your Home
Fortunately, this strain of hantavirus is not spread through person-to-person contact, however, the CDHD asks the public:
- Not to sweep up or vacuum any mouse waste
- Not to sleep in a cabin that has any mice droppings or mouse nests
- Not to use bare hands to hold stray rodents or any wild mice found inside your home
Visit the Chelan-Douglas Health District website for the latest safety tips on what to do if your home is currently exposed to mice and other rodents.
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