Second hantavirus death reported in Grant County

MOSES LAKE - State health officials confirmed a Grant County woman who died in September probably died of hantavirus. Grant County Health District officials received confirmation of the diagnosis recently, releasing the information Wednesday.

The woman most likely was exposed in a family recreational vehicle south of Moses Lake, according to a press release from the health district. While this is the second hantavirus death in the county in 2012, health district officials said that fact doesn't indicate there's an increased risk to the public.

"The real important thing is, there isn't any indication there is an outbreak," said Theresa Adkinson, the district's public information officer.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is spread by rodents, found in their urine, droppings and saliva. Not all species carry it; deer mice are the only carriers in Washington. State Department of Health officials estimate about 14 percent of deer mice in the state are infected.

"People can become sick with hantavirus by breathing in the air particles stirred up from rodent droppings or nests; there is no evidence the virus is spread person-to-person," the Department of Health press release explains.

Hantavirus symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear, and it's fatal in about one-third of the cases, according to the press release.

Adkinson said health district officials did not know if the woman was cleaning the space, but people often contract the disease by breathing contaminated dust stirred up while cleaning. "The greatest risk occurs when people enter enclosed areas with rodent infestation and poor air circulation," the press release said.

The best way to prevent the disease is to keep rodents out of homes, outbuildings, workplaces, any trailers or RVs. But it's best to clean out those trailers and RVs before use if they've been sitting for a period of time, Adkinson said. Outbuildings or vacation homes also need cleaning after not being used.

People should open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning, and those cleaning should wear gloves and a dust mask. It's not a good idea to vacuum or dust first, that can stir up contamination.

So any infected area, or an area that might be infected, should be thoroughly sprayed with a disinfectant or bleach solution, and should soak for at least 10 minutes. Any droppings or other material should be removed with a damp cloth and the area should be mopped with disinfectant.

Any materials should be sprayed with disinfectant until they're soaked, then double-bagged, along with any cleaning materials. Gloves should be disinfected before removing, and people should thoroughly wash their hands.

Keeping rodents outside requires checking for gaps or holes in a home, especially around pipes and vents, and under doors. Steel wool is a cost-effective tool in the war against mice; it's good to plug cracks and small holes. Food should be sealed before storage, pet food put away after use and spilled food should be cleaned up immediately.

Outdoor garbage should be stored in plastic or metal containers with tight lids. People also should keep animal feed and grain in plastic or metal containers with tight lids, cut down weeds, move any wood pile at least 100 feet away from the residence and clean up any trash.