30-year-old's death tied to Hantavirus

EPHRATA – The Grant County Health District (GCHD) has received confirmation that the recent death of a Grant County woman in her 30s was associated with Hantavirus exposure.

The woman was hospitalized and died on March 28. The confirmation came from the Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratory.

A Health District investigation determined the woman was most likely exposed in Grant County. The last Grant County Hantavirus patient, in 2005, died as a result of the  illness.    

“The Grant County Health District is saddened by her death. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her  family,” said Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny.     

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is caused by a virus found in the urine, droppings and saliva of  infected rodents, Brzezny noted. In Washington State, deer mice are the carrier of the virus.

People become sick with Hantavirus by breathing in the air particles stirred up from rodent droppings or nests, Brzezny said. The greatest risk occurs when people enter enclosed areas with rodent infestation and poor air circulation, such as  sheds or cabins.

Illness usually begins one to six weeks after being exposed. Early signs include fever,  muscle aches and fatigue. Some people have headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain.     

“Hantavirus infection is rare but is fatal in about one of every three cases,” Community Public Health Manager and Epidemiologist Shawta Sackett said.  “We are encouraging residents to take  precautions to prevent exposure to this rare but life-threatening illness.”    

Recent CDC (Centers for Disease Control) research shows that many people who became ill with Hantavirus developed the disease  after having frequent contact with rodents and/or their droppings around a home or workplace. However, many people who became ill reported that they had not seen rodents or rodent droppings at  all.

“If you live in an area where rodents such as deer mice live, try to keep your home, vacation place, workplace, or campsite clean,” Sackett said.   

Since Hantavirus’s recognition in 1993, there have been 44 cases reported in Washington State and 15 of these patients died. This is comparable to the national average of about 33%.