LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A resident of western Arizona has died from a case of Hantavirus, officials announced on Monday.
The Mohave County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) said that it worked with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to confirm the first death from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, or HPS.
“The source of exposure for the Kingman service area case could not be determined; however local transmission cannot be ruled out,” the county said.
This particular case involves the Sin Nombre virus, which is mainly carried by deer mice and historically associated with cases in the Southwest. It is different from the Andes virus, which made headlines for an outbreak on a South American cruise ship.
Sin Nombre virus is not known to spread from person to person. Most infections happen when a person breathes in dust contaminated by infected rodents.
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“Although hantavirus is uncommon, awareness and prevention are important, especially for people spending time outdoors or cleaning areas where rodents may be present,” Health Director Melissa Palmer said in a statement.