LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A park worker on the Grand Canyon was uncovered to hantavirus, and a separate case of publicity to rabies within the park has additionally been confirmed.
A Coconino County well being official confirmed each reviews, which have been circulating within the media because the July 4 vacation weekend.
Whereas hantavirus will be deadly, it is also uncommon. The virus is unfold primarily by deer mice, based on Eve Wolters, deputy director for Coconino County Well being and Human Companies. And deer mice are a part of the setting at Grand Canyon Nationwide Park.
Hantavirus was within the information earlier this 12 months when an post-mortem confirmed that actor Gene Hackman’s spouse died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Knowledge from the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) reveals that New Mexico had the very best focus of hantavirus circumstances within the U.S., adopted by Colorado, Arizona, California and Washington. The CDC examine included circumstances from 1993-2022.
About 38% of circumstances are deadly, based on the CDC.
5 circumstances have been reported thus far this 12 months in Arizona, based on state well being officers.
Nevada exposures, California deaths
Nevada ranked ninth, however 4 circumstances have been reported this 12 months in Northern Nevada, two in Douglas County, one in Washoe County and one in Lander County, based on state well being officers.
These circumstances adopted three deaths in Mammoth Lakes, positioned in Mono County, California.
On April 3, a information launch introduced the third demise, and well being officers mentioned they suspected deer mouse numbers are excessive this 12 months.
“A third case of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), each of which has been fatal, is tragic and alarming,” mentioned Dr. Tom Boo, Mono County Public Well being Officer. “We don’t have a clear sense of where this young adult may have contracted the virus. The home had no evidence of mouse activity. We observed some mice in the workplace, which is not unusual for indoor spaces this time of year in Mammoth Lakes. We haven’t identified any other activities in the weeks before illness that would have increased this person’s exposure to mice or their droppings.”
Boo mentioned he was apprehensive about circumstances so early within the 12 months, when they’re extra typical in late spring and summer season.
“We believe that deer mouse numbers are high this year in Mammoth (and probably elsewhere in the Eastern Sierra). An increase in indoor mice elevates the risk of Hantavirus exposure. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions and follow the prevention steps outlined below,” he mentioned.
There have been no circumstances of hantavirus or rabies reported in Clark County thus far in 2025, Southern Nevada Well being District officers mentioned Tuesday.
Rabies circumstances
Wolters mentioned rabies circumstances are way more frequent, and bats are a main provider.
“There are things you can do to protect yourself. Be aware of what you’re coming into contact with and take appropriate precautions,” she mentioned.
“People want to sleep out under the stars,” Wolters mentioned. And whereas that is straightforward to grasp at a spot just like the Grand Canyon, a tent is safer. When you’re sleeping, you simply do not know what is likely to be exploring your face, she mentioned.
The current report on the Grand Canyon concerned a bat collected alongside the Colorado River close to Kanab Creek Canyon. The bat examined constructive for rabies, based on the Nationwide Park Service.
Wolters mentioned the particular person uncovered to the bat had recovered after therapy generally known as Submit-Publicity Prophylaxis (PEP).
Hantavirus precautions
After the Northern Nevada hantavirus circumstances have been reported, state well being officers, together with the Nevada Division of Wildlife, issued a information launch advising individuals to take steps to forestall publicity.
Officers suggested taking care when cleansing out areas similar to sheds, barns, trailers, garages, and cabins the place deer mice have nested or left droppings. If uncovered, early detection and immediate medical therapy can vastly enhance the possibilities of restoration.
“We urge people to be aware of any signs of rodent activity and to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to hantavirus,” Melissa Bullock, state medical epidemiologist, mentioned. “Anyone who has been in contact with rodents, nests or droppings and subsequently develops symptoms consistent with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome should see a health care provider immediately.”
Steps to scale back the chance of hantavirus publicity:
Clear safely
Air out enclosed areas by opening home windows and doorways for at the very least half-hour earlier than cleansing.
Keep away from stirring up mud by not sweeping or vacuuming. As a substitute, spray contaminated areas with disinfectant (similar to a ten% bleach resolution), let it soak for 5-10 minutes, after which wipe up with disposable supplies.
Put on gloves and a well-fitted N95 masks when cleansing areas with indicators of rodent exercise.
Preserve areas clear and freed from litter or meals sources.
Eradicate attractants and hiding locations
Seal all meals containers for pets, livestock, or chicken feeders.
Safe rubbish in containers with tight-fitting lids.
Clear overgrown vegetation and take away litter similar to woodpiles and brush.
Don’t compost or take away compost piles that will entice rodents.
Use rodent/mouse deterrents
Seal gaps, cracks, or holes in constructions to maintain mice out.
Restore screens on home windows and doorways.
Guarantee storage doorways and different entrances are tightly fitted with no gaps.
Block entry to crawl areas, beneath patios, and different susceptible areas utilizing wire mesh or {hardware} fabric.
Repel rodents by placing pure merchandise similar to predator urine, ammonia, vinegar, or espresso grounds alongside fence strains and exterior areas.
Contemplate putting in motion-activated sprinklers to discourage rodents and different wildlife.
Extra details about hantavirus from the Nevada Workplace of State Epidemiology is obtainable at https://nvose.org/illnesses/hantavirus-pulmonary-syndrome/.
