Alert about deadly rodent illness that has claimed four lives in America and has no known treatment.

Hantavirus, a disease that is transmitted from rodents to humans, has been causing quite a stir in the United States. This deadly virus has recently claimed the lives of several people and has prompted health officials to issue a warning. The Arizona Department of Health Services has reported an increase in cases of hantavirus, which is spread through viral droplets from contact with the animals' urine, saliva, or feces.

Since the beginning of this year, seven cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome have been confirmed in Arizona, with three of them resulting in death. This syndrome is a severe respiratory illness that can be fatal if left untreated. The agency released an advisory on July 12th, stating that it is caused by an infection with hantavirus, which was first detected in 1993.

Not only has Arizona been affected by this virus, but there have also been two cases in California, one of which resulted in a fatality. The symptoms of Hantavirus include fever, headache, and muscle aches, which can quickly progress to difficulty breathing. The virus is primarily found in deer mice in Arizona and is not spread through human-to-human contact, although it is not limited to a specific region.

The advisory also mentions that hantavirus can be present in many areas of the southwestern region of the United States where there is rodent activity, even if the mice are not visible. The last reported case of hantavirus in Coconino County was in 2016, and the first outbreak was in 1993, when it infected a Navajo tribe living on the border of Arizona and New Mexico, resulting in the death of 80% of the population.

To prevent the spread of hantavirus, health officials recommend residents to take certain precautions, such as using disinfectants like bleach to clean up any rodent droppings or nests, sealing and disposing of them properly, and avoiding dusting in areas where rodents may be present. It is also essential to prevent rodents from entering homes by sealing any holes larger than a quarter-inch in diameter and using traps to catch any mice that may have already made their way inside.

Dr. Aaron Glatt, the chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, stated that the best way to prevent infection is by carefully cleaning and disinfecting any waste products from rodents and avoiding contact with them. This warning comes after concerns were raised about the spread of another deadly illness, "zombie deer disease," which was recently detected in Yellowstone National Park.

In conclusion, it is crucial for residents to be aware of the presence of hantavirus in their area and to take necessary precautions to prevent its spread. By following the recommended clean-up procedures and taking steps to keep rodents out of their homes, individuals can protect themselves and their families from this dangerous virus. Let's all work together to stay safe and healthy.

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