UPDATE: Carson City Health and Human Services can confirm a case of Hantavirus in the Quad-County region. There is no current threat to public health. To protect the confidentiality of medical information, CCHHS will not be providing any additional information about this case.

Hantavirus is a respiratory infection that mainly occurs from breathing in particles of infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva and can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 38 percent of people who develop severe respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

Early symptoms of hantavirus infection can include fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. These may be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As the infection progresses, later symptoms can develop, such as coughing and shortness of breath. If hantavirus is suspected, individuals should contact their healthcare provider immediately and inform them of any exposure to rodents, their waste, or nesting materials. Learn more about symptoms from the CDC.

To reduce the risk of hantavirus, it is important to minimize contact with rodents and their habitats, especially when cleaning enclosed or infrequently used spaces.

  • Do not sweep or vacuum the area if it contains urine, droppings, or nesting material.
  • A solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water should be used when cleaning urine and/or droppings (1.5 cups bleach to 1 gallon of water).
    • Spray the solution on areas with rodent droppings and leave for five minutes before wiping the area with disposable paper towels or cloth. Dispose of the waste in a sealed plastic bag.
  • Wear gloves (i.e., latex, vinyl, rubber) and a face mask to avoid touching or breathing in viral particles.
  • Identify areas where mice are, plug openings, and set traps; a deer mouse can fit through an opening the size of a nickel. Food should be stored in rodent-proof containers.

Rodents that can spread Hantavirus include the white-footed deer mouse, which inhabits Northern Nevada.

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Following a confirmed case of hantavirus in the Quad-Counties region, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is reminding residents to take precautions, especially when entering sheds, garages and other enclosed spaces where rodents may be present.

The Quad-Counties region comprises of Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties.

As temperatures rise and seasonal activities increase, people may encounter enclosed or seldom-used spaces such as sheds, barns, trailers, garages, and cabins where deer mice may have nested or left droppings. NDOW advises using caution when entering these areas, particularly those that have been closed during the winter months.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a rare but serious respiratory disease caused by exposure to infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Deer mice, which are widespread throughout Nevada, are the primary carriers. Early symptoms often include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, and may progress to headaches, chills, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Although HPS can be deadly, early medical attention significantly improves outcomes.

Anyone who has had contact with rodents or rodent-contaminated areas and develops symptoms consistent with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome should seek medical care immediately.

How to Reduce Risk of Hantavirus Exposure

Clean Safely

  • Air out enclosed spaces for at least 30 minutes before cleaning
  • Avoid sweeping or vacuuming, which can stir up virus particles
  • Spray contaminated areas with a disinfectant (such as a 10% bleach solution), allow it to soak for 5–10 minutes, then wipe up using disposable materials
  • Wear gloves and a well-fitted N95 mask when cleaning areas with rodent activity
  • Keep spaces clean and free of clutter and food sources

Eliminate Attractants and Hiding Places

  • Store pet food, livestock feed, and bird seed in sealed containers
  • Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
  • Remove brush, woodpiles, and overgrown vegetation near structures
  • Avoid maintaining compost piles that may attract rodents

Rodent-Proof Your Home

  • Seal gaps, cracks, and holes in buildings
  • Repair damaged window and door screens
  • Ensure doors, including garage doors, fit tightly with no gaps
  • Block access to crawl spaces and other openings with wire mesh or hardware cloth

Use Deterrents

  • Consider natural repellents such as ammonia, vinegar, coffee grounds, or predator scents around exterior areas
  • Motion-activated lighting or sprinklers may help deter rodents and other wildlife