(PatriotPostNews.com) — Arizona public health officials have warned that hantavirus cases are on the rise. Hantavirus is spread by rodents and can lead to a fatal lung syndrome.
The above average number of cases does not have a known cause, but experts theorize it may be related to unusual weather trends currently being experienced across the state. Three deaths have resulted from the virus over the last six months in Arizona.
Cases of hantavirus in the US are generally limited to the southwest region of the United States including California where two people have been found to be infected with hantavirus in 2024. The states with the highest reported number of hantavirus are New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona followed by California. From 1993 through 2021 New Mexico and Colorado both saw 119 cases and Arizona saw 85.
There is no vaccine or standardized treatment plan for the virus and public health experts are concerned that changes in weather could cause cases to surge. Chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, Aaron Glatt, explained that deer mice are the most likely career, and asserted that while infection generally only leads to mild disease, it can also lead to a fatal lung disease. Heatwaves in Arizona could be driving the mice to seek cooler environments, such as inside shaded or air conditioned structures.
Over the last four decades Arizona has seen about zero to four cases a year. In the last six months Arizona has seen seven cases. Of the seven cases, three have died. The disease has a roughly 40% mortality rate. Experts theorize that the consistent heat waves seen in Arizona could be driving mice indoors and have advised the public to thoroughly ventilate indoor spaces where mice may have been present.
Symptoms can start suddenly and include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Without treatment the infection can cause liquid to pool in the lungs leading to breathing complications or death.
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