A hantavirus outbreak has been reported in Mammoth Lakes, California, resulting in three deaths from the virus. The victims had contact with infected deer mice, which spread the disease through contact with their droppings or urine.
Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was also killed by hantavirus earlier this year. Authorities said her husband died from heart disease, but not directly related to the infection.
The health official in Mono County expressed concern over the recent surge in cases, noting that the virus typically appears in late spring and summer. The region’s high deer mouse population increases the risk of exposure.
Symptoms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, followed by coughing and shortness of breath. In severe cases, death can occur within a day or two.
To prevent infection, health officials recommend:
– Sealing gaps in homes larger than a pencil
– Storing food in rodent-proof containers
– Using mice snap traps instead of glue and live traps
– Airing out exposed areas before cleaning
– Wearing gloves and an N-95 mask when cleaning
– Not vacuuming or sweeping rodent droppings, but rather disinfecting contaminated areas with a bleach solution
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/mammoth-lakes-hantavirus-deaths