Arizona officials say a Mohave County resident has been infected with hantavirus.
The Mohave County Department of Public Health made the announcement Monday in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services. The condition of the person infected was not disclosed.
“The source of exposure for the Kingman service area case could not be determined; however local transmission cannot be ruled out,” the health department said in the press release.
Authorities noted the type of hantavirus found in Arizona is known as Sin Nombre, which is carried primarily by deer mice and historically has been associated with cases in Arizona and the Southwest.
“It is different from the Andes virus that recently received national media attention and was linked to a cruise ship investigation in South America,” the health department said. “This hantavirus case is related to the Sin Nombre virus strain and is not related to the Andes virus outbreak associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship.”
The Sin Nombre version is not known to spread from person to person. Most infections occur when individuals breathe in dust contaminated with the urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials of infected rodents.
“Although hantavirus is uncommon, awareness and prevention are important, especially for people spending time outdoors or cleaning areas where rodents may be present,” said Mohave County Health Director Melissa Palmer.
Symptoms of the virus develop one to eight weeks after exposure and often begin with fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some may also endure a cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
“Anyone experiencing these symptoms after potential rodent exposure should seek medical attention and inform their healthcare provider about the exposure,” the health department said.
Anyone seeking more information on the virus can access it at the Centers for Disease Control web page.
