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A Colorado resident died from the Sin Nombre hantavirus, which is spread through contact with infected rodents
Health officials confirmed the case is unrelated to the recent hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship
The virus can cause severe respiratory illness and is most commonly transmitted by deer mice in Colorado
Health officials have launched an investigation after a Colorado adult died from the hantavirus.
On Saturday, May 16, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed that a resident of Douglas County contracted the rodent-borne virus, resulting in their death.
Officials said the case is not linked to the recent outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which led to three deaths and at least 10 confirmed cases.
The CDPHE said that preliminary evidence suggests that the individual’s infection was acquired by local exposure to rodents. The individual reportedly contracted the Sin Nombre hantavirus, the most common cause of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), according to the Centers for Disease Control.
“Hantavirus infections caused by the Sin Nombre hantavirus occur regularly in Colorado, usually in the spring and summer, and can cause a severe and sometimes deadly respiratory disease,” according to health officials. “In Colorado, the deer mouse is the rodent species that most commonly exposes people to the virus. Avoiding exposure to rodents and their urine, feces, saliva, and nesting materials is the best way to prevent infection.”
Group of rats
Credit: Getty
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The Sin Nombre hantavirus is not transmitted from person to person like the rare Andes strain. Further information about the patient has not been released.
Hantavirus is an infectious disease that’s normally spread through contact with rodents such as deer mice, cotton rats, rice rats, and the white-footed mouse. The virus is typically transmitted to humans when they are bitten or come into contact with the urine, droppings, and saliva of an infected rodent.
Hantavirus can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches — especially in the thighs, hips, back and shoulders — coughing and shortness of breath. Patients might also experience tightness in the chest as fluid builds up in the lungs. They typically appear one to eight weeks after contact with the infected rodent.
HPS is a severe and potentially deadly disease, the CDC warns. It’s treatable, especially if recognized early, but symptoms can worsen suddenly and become life-threatening.
Health officials note that the risk of hantavirus can be reduced by eliminating or minimizing contact with rodents in the home, workplace or campsite. People should also seal holes and gaps in the home or garage to keep rodents from entering and place traps to decrease infestation.
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