Tahoe-area county reports case of rare virus primarily spread by rodents

Angela Rodriguez
·2 min read
7

Health officials confirmed a case of a potentially fatal — but rare — virus in a Tahoe-area county on the Nevada side of the state line.

The Washoe County Health District has reported a confirmed Hantavirus in a the county, which includes the northeast corner of Lake Tahoe and stretches to the Oregon border, according to a Monday news release. The person, a male in his 60s, was hospitalized after being exposed to rodent droppings weeks before. There was no update on his condition.

Since 2019, there have been four Hantavirus cases within the county with only one reported death. The last case reported was in November 2022. Deer mice — which are found in California — can carry the airborne virus, according to the California Department of Public Health. It is transferred through droppings, urine, saliva or a bite.

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread primarily by rodents. They can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The most common hantavirus in the United States is the Sin Nombre virus, spread by the deer mouse.

California has recorded 78 cases total, according to data through 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. It’s mainly been confirmed in the western United States, according to the CDC.

Signs and symptoms

Rodent infestations around the home are the primary place for exposure, but anyone who comes in contact with habitats — including hikers, campers and pest control workers — are at risk.

“Cases of human hantavirus infection occur sporadically, usually in rural areas where forests, fields, and farms offer suitable habitat for the virus’s rodent hosts,” the CDC stated. Symptoms can develop between one to eight weeks after someone is exposed the virus.

About half of those that are exposed to Hantavirus experience early symptoms including:

  • Fatigue

  • Fever

  • Muscle aches

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Chills

  • Abdominal problems including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Late symptoms can arise four to 10 days after exposure. These symptoms include:

  • Coughing

  • Shortness of breath

Hantavirus can be fatal, the CDC stated. It has a mortality rate of 38%.

Prevention

To prevent exposure to the virus, the CDC states you should:

  • Eliminate or minimize contact with rodents

  • Seal up holes and gaps in your home or garage

  • Place traps around your home to prevent rodent infestation

  • Clean up any easy-to-get food

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