A West Valley man who contracted hantavirus died last week, the state's first hantavirus death this year — and the first ever in Salt Lake County.
The man, whose name was not released, was taken to Pioneer Valley Hospital on Sept. 25, then transferred to University Hospital, where he died that same day.
It is the fourth confirmed case of hantavirus in Salt Lake County since the first was reported in 1994, according to Pamela Davenport, spokeswoman for the Salt Lake Valley Health Department, which is investigating when and where the 25-year-old may have contracted the disease. Eighteen cases have now been confirmed in the state over the years, most from agricultural exposures. Victims have ranged in ages from 19 to 67 years old. Exactly one-third of the people in Utah with the disease have died, though nationally almost half have died.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is contracted by exposure to rodent droppings, especially those of deer mice. It can take from several hours up to six weeks for symptoms such as fever and muscle aches to appear. When coughing and difficulty breathing occur, it usually requires hospitalization and often ventilation within 24 hours.
Salt Lake Valley Health Department officials are trying to figure out where the man got hantavirus and have provided information to neighbors about safety precautions they can take. Early indications are the man had not traveled and probably came in contact with hantavirus close to home, Davenport said.
The man's family has temporarily evacuated their home, which the health department plans to inspect as part of its investigation.
The disease is not contagious person to person, but occurs after contact with rodent droppings, health officials say care must be taken when cleaning areas where rodents, especially deer mice, may nest.
Among the suggestions from the health department:
Set spring-loaded rodent traps near baseboards, because rodents tend to run along walls and in tight spaces.
Seal entry holes that are bigger than one-fourth inch wide.
Clear brush, grass and junk from around house foundations to eliminate nesting materials.
Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning such areas as basements, garages, cabins or outdoor sheds. Keep a tight-fitting lid on garbage and throw out uneaten pet food at the end of the day.
Thoroughly wet dusty or contaminated areas with water or general-purpose disinfectant. Then wipe the area with a damp towel and mop afterward with a disinfectant like bleach.
Before removing gloves, disinfect thoroughly with soap and water, then wash your hands.
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