Covenant Health System confirmed Monday that its staff in Levelland treated a possible case of Hantavirus in Hockley County.
According to the CDC, Hantavirus infections can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome which can be deadly. The infection can be contracted through contact with rodents and their excrement. The CDC reports that Hantavirus has a mortality rate of 38%.
The following is a statement from Covenant Health System regarding Hantavirus in Hockley County:
“Covenant Health Levelland has been contacted by a local media outlet regarding a possible case of Hantavirus in Hockley County. In accordance with HIPAA and our commitment to patient privacy, we cannot comment on specific diagnoses of patients.
Covenant Health works closely with officials from the Texas Department of State Health Services and report any community health issues that arise. Hantavirus infection is a serious illness. This is traditionally found in rural areas where forests, fields, and farms offer suitable habitat for the virus’s rodent hosts. The virus is mainly transmitted to people when they breathe in air contaminated with the virus. Rodent infestation in and around the home remains the primary risk for hantavirus exposure.
The types of hantavirus in the United States cannot be transmitted from one person to another. For example, you cannot get the virus from touching or kissing a person who has hantavirus or from a health care worker who has treated someone with the disease.
Early symptoms may include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups—thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. These symptoms are universal. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis may be difficult in the early symptoms as they are often confused with influenza. If an individual has been exposed to rodents and experiences these symptoms, please visit your healthcare provider.
You may visit one of our clinics in Levelland: Levelland Clinic, Levelland Clinic North, Family Medicine, Family Medicine East, or the Covenant Health Levelland emergency room (24/7). ”
