03 Sep 2024 | 09:31 AM UTC
US: Elevated hantavirus activity reported in Arizona in early September
Elevated hantavirus activity reported in Arizona, US, in early September. Avoid rodents and their habitat.
Health officials have reported elevated hantavirus activity in Arizona, with nine confirmed cases reported Jan. 1-Aug. 9. This is compared to four cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Affected counties include Apache, Coconino, Navajo, and Pima. Health officials advise the public to be vigilant for symptoms if they have been exposed to rodents or rodent-infested areas and recommend taking preventative measures at home and outdoors to minimize rodent contact. This report represents the most complete data available as of Sept. 3.
Practice basic health precautions and avoid contact with rodents and their habitats. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within eight weeks of being in affected areas.
In Arizona, rodent activity and hantavirus risk increases during the warmer months (April-October). The state has one of the highest incidences of hantavirus disease in the US, with a yearly case count ranging from zero to five since 2012. Arizona reported 85 cases 1993-2021. The previous year's case counts were zero cases in 2021, one case in 2022, and five cases in 2023.
Hantaviruses are transmitted through the ingestion or inhalation of infected droppings or urine from rodents, which can accumulate in outdoor and indoor environments. These viruses are not transmitted from person to person. Hantavirus infections can cause two syndromes: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Symptoms of HPS typically develop 1-8 weeks after exposure. Early symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, dizziness, and chills. However, 4-10 days after initial symptoms, more severe respiratory symptoms appear, which can be fatal. Symptoms associated with HFRS typically develop 1-2 weeks after exposure but can develop up to eight weeks after exposure. Initial symptoms of HFRS include sudden onset of intense headache, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and blurred vision. Later symptoms include low blood pressure, acute shock, bleeding abnormalities, and acute kidney failure, which can be fatal.
