A dying from hantavirus has been confirmed within the city of Mammoth Lakes, the second inside a month.
The announcement Wednesday, March 26, from Mono County Public Well being mentioned a 3rd potential case is beneath investigation.
The company mentioned that one of many victims might have contracted the an infection whereas “vacuuming rodent waste,” and the opposite was “likely exposed at home.” The primary dying was reported Feb. 27.
Hantavirus is rare in people however harmful, with a mortality price round 30%. It is unfold primarily via contact with the droppings of a deer mouse.
The illness was within the information this month as the reason for dying of Betsy Arakawa, the spouse of actor Gene Hackman.
The Mono County announcement mentioned the instances are the primary confirmed within the county since 2019.
Early signs embrace fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches, adopted by coughing and shortness of breath. There is no such thing as a antiviral drug recognized to be efficient towards hantavirus; therapy typically includes intubation and oxygen remedy.
