June 1, 2025 – Mariposa County Health & Human Services officials issue a health and safety reminder on Hantavirus prevention.

Overview: Hantavirus can infect and cause serious disease in people worldwide. People get hantavirus from contact with rodents like rats and mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva. It can also spread through a bite or scratch by a rodent, but this is rare.

Diagnosis: Diagnosing hantavirus in a person who has been infected less than 72 hours is difficult. If the initial test is done before the virus can be found, repeat testing is often 72 hours after symptoms start. Early symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fatigue are easily confused with influenza.

Reducing Risk: Eliminate or minimize contact with rodents in your home, workplace, or campsite to reduce your risk of exposure to hantaviruses. Seal holes and gaps in your home or garage to keep rodents from entering these spaces. Place traps in and around your home to decrease rodent infestation. Clean up any easy-to-get food that might attract rodents.

If you suspect Hantavirus disease, see a physician immediately and mention a potential rodent exposure.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/about/index.html.

Source: Mariposa County Health & Human Services