Three people in Mammoth lakes died recently after contracting Hantavirus, the same infection that killed Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, earlier this year. Cases increased concerns among public health officials concerning the propagation of rare, but fatal disease attacking the lungs.
At a press conference last month, Dr. Heather Jarrell, chief medical examiner at the office of the New Mexico medical investigator, said that the The mortality rate is between 38% and 50% Among those infected in the American southwest. It was not on the radar of many people until the chief legal practitioner of the New Mexico confirms that Arakawa, 65, died of Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in March.
The virus can spread through urine, excrement or saliva of wild rodents, including deer mice, which are common in many regions of California, according to California Department of Public Health.
The three people who contracted and died of the virus of gigantic lakes experienced symptoms from February. Of the three, only one had many mice at their home, according to health officials – however, there was evidence of mouse in the places where the three had worked.
This “is not unusual for interior spaces at this time of year in mammoth lakes,” said Dr. Tom Boo, a public health official for the county of Mono, who houses gigantic lakes.
“We believe that deer mice figures are raised this year in Mammoth, and probably elsewhere in eastern Sierra,” he said. “An increase in inner mice increases the risk of exposure to the Hantavirus.”
The county of Mono has reported 27 cases of hantavirus since 1993, the most of all California county.
Hantedly has Hantavirus have been detected in the County of Los Angeles?
The Hantavirus is rare in the County of Los Angeles, and most of the cases have been linked to an out -of -count exhibition. The last death linked to the Hantavirus reported by the County of Los Angeles was In 2006.
Even if rodents are more likely to be found in rural and semi-urban areas, any area or structure that animals occupy as a house can be a concern in infectious diseases, whether in a city or in the country. Buildings rarely used such as hangars, cabins, storage facilities, camping land and construction sites are particularly at risk of rodent infestation.
How can you protect yourself from Hantavirus?
Hantavirus cases can occur all year round, but advanced cases of cases reported in the United States are spring and the start of summer – which coincide with the breeding seasons for deer mice.
To limit the risk of infection, avoid rodents, excrement and nesting materials.
In addition, do what you can to keep wild rodents out of your home, workplace, cabin, hangar, car, motorhome or other closed space.
To do this, Los Angeles County public health officials suggest::
- Seal holes (the width of a pencil or more) and other openings where rodents like mice can enter.
- Place the instant traps to catch all rodents (the CDC warns against Using glue traps or living traps because they can scare rodents, making them urinate, which increases your chances of exposure to any virus they can wear.)
- Keep all foods in rodent test containers.
If you discover mouse evidence in your home or workplace, configure snapshot traps and clean their waste.
If this happens, local and state officials offer the following directives on how to clean while protecting you from exposure:
Before cleaning:
- Air space you clean for 30 minutes.
- Get rubber or plastic gloves, a N-95 mask and a disinfectant or a mixture of whitening and water.
During cleaning (with lit gloves):
- Spray the contaminated areas with your disinfectant and soak it for at least 5 minutes.
- Do not sweep or not quickly the area – which could arouse excrement or other infectious materials in the air.
- Use paper towels, sponge or a mop to clean. Put all the cleaning materials in a bag and throw it in your trash can.
What to expect if you contract the Hantavirus
Symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections, which include fever, headache, muscle pain and difficulty breathing. Some people also experience nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Symptoms usually develop weeks after breathing in the air contaminated by infected deer mice.
Complications of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome can cause damaged pulmonary tissues and an accumulation of liquids in the lungs, according to The Mayo clinic. It can also affect heart function; Serious cases can cause heart failure to deliver oxygen to the body. The signs to be sought include coughing, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and irregular heart rate.
What can you do to treat Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome?
There is no specific treatment or remedy for the disease, According to the American Lung Assn. However, medical first care can increase the chances of survival.
If the virus is detected early and the infected person receives medical care in an intensive care unit, said ALA, there is a chance that the person will improve.
Treatment with intensive care may include intubation and oxygen therapy, replacement of fluids and the use of drugs to lower blood pressure.
If your symptoms become serious, call your health care provider.
