A rat illness that can be spread to people and has no cure has killed several people in the US.
The deaths have provoked a health warning from officials over concerns for public safety.
Hantavirus Spread
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the hantavirus is on the rise
It is spread from rodents to people through viral droplets from handling materials containing the animals’ urine, saliva, or feces.
Confirmed Cases
Seven confirmed cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have occurred in Arizona since the beginning of January.
Three of them led to fatal outcomes as the hantavirus case numbers rise.
“Severe and Sometimes Fatal”
In a July 12 advisory, the agency issued a statement regarding the illness.
They stated that it “is a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness caused by the infection with hantavirus.”
California Incidence
Likewise, there have been two hantavirus cases in California and one passing.
Fever, headache, and rapid muscle aches that make it hard to breathe are some of the symptoms.
Deer Mouse
Hantavirus has been found for the most part in deer mouse in the Grand Canyon state and isn’t spread on human-to-human contact.
However, it is not restricted geographically as case numbers have been reported in other areas.
Rodent Activity
The advisory informs people that, “It can be present in many areas in the southwestern region of the United States where there is rodent activity, even if mice are never seen”
Prior to the most recent cases of the hantavirus, the last one to be reported in Coconino County was in 2016.
Past Casualties
After infecting a Navajo tribe that lived near the border of Arizona and New Mexico, the syndrome was discovered in 1993.
At the time, 80% of the population perished in the region following the infection.
Cleaning Advice
Public health authorities suggest inhabitants who have encountered rat activity to follow specific cleaning advice.
They include sealing and disposing of rodent nests and droppings in the trash, disinfecting them with bleach, and avoiding dusting infested areas.
Seal Holes
Additionally, residents are advised to use mouse traps and to seal holes larger than a quarter-inch in diameter.
This should be done with wire screen or cement to prevent rodents from entering their homes.
Prevention Advisory
Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, issued a statement to NBC News.
“The best way to prevent infection with this illness is by carefully disinfecting and cleaning up any waste products from the rodents and by not coming into contact with them.”
Yellowstone National Park
More than six months ago, a new case of the “zombie deer disease” was reported in Yellowstone National Park.
This raised concerns that the fatal illness could spread to humans.
Arizona issued a hantavirus warning following this in order to inform residents of the risks.
