Heath officials from the state of Texas on July 10 publicly confirmed one case of Hantavirus in the Texas panhandle. The specific city or county was not provided.
This is the first reported case of Hantavirus this year, and while it is rare the virus can be deadly. Two people on the South Plains died from the virus in 2002.
Katherine Wells, with the Lubbock County Health Department, said she does not expect to see any cases of Hantavirus in Lubbock County, but said it is important for South Plains residents to be aware of symptoms.
“Early symptoms are fatigue, fever, muscle aches especially in the large muscle groups,” Wells said.
Wells said the Hantavirus can progress into Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. She said it is carried by certain species of rats and mice, specifically deer mice. The virus is spread by contact with rodent saliva, urine or fecal matter.
“The most important thing is to keep rodents away from your house,” Wellsa said. “And be very diligent if you are ever cleaning up rodent droppings, to make sure you wet the surfaces and take the proper precautions.”
Wells said the virus is not contagious but can be found in the same household if multiple people were exposed to the contaminants.
For symptoms and tips on preventing Hantavirus visit: cdc.gov/hantavirus
