A 28-year-old Alamosa County woman has died from hantavirus, the first case of the disease in Colorado this year, health officials said. The source of the infection had not been determined by Tuesday, said John Pape, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Pape said a preliminary investigation indicated she contracted the virus in her home, which he said is not unusual.
Hantavirus is commonly spread through exposure to infected deer mice. Humans can be infected by inhaling the virus during direct contact with the mice or if dust or feces from mice nests is disturbed. Colorado typically has four to six hantavirus cases a year. Last year, the state had six cases, including one death; in 2005, there were 11 cases including one death, Pape said.
If you have evidence of rodent activity in your home or in out-buildings such as sheds, garages, barns, etc., the following precautions are recommended for cleaning these areas:
If you have evidence of rodent activity in your home or in out-buildings such as sheds, garages, barns, etc., the following precautions are recommended for cleaning these areas:
- Any household disinfectant will work, but a solution of household bleach and water works well (1 cup of bleach per gallon of water). Wear rubber gloves.
- Open doors and windows and allow the interior to air out for at least 30 minutes before cleaning or working inside.
- Spray droppings, nest material and carcasses with the disinfectant and let soak 5 to 10 minutes before cleaning up with a mop, sponge or wet-vacuum. DO NOT SWEEP OR DRY VACUUM RODENT DROPPINGS! Wear a dust mask as an additional precaution.
- After disinfecting, dispose of dead mice or contaminated materials in plastic trash bags, seal and place in an outdoor trash container.
- If a building is heavily infested or cannot be completely ventilated, the use of a respirator is recommended. The respirator should seal tightly to the face and be equipped with a HEPA filter (N-100 NIOSH rating).
Additional information may be obtained from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment website at www.cdphe.state.co.us, from the Fremont County website at www.fremontco.com or by calling Fremont County Environmental Health at 276-7460. Pamphlets on hantavirus in English and Spanish are available at the Fremont County Environmental Health office at 615 Macon, Room 212, Canon City, CO.