PHOENIX -- The Arizona Department of Health Services has urged the public to take appropriate precautions when living or working in rodent infested areas, following the confirmation of two cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) this week in Arizona. The two cases are not related.
Health officials are currently investigating the cases, which appear to have become infected through exposures to mouse droppings in rural areas. While most common in rural areas, HPS can occur anywhere in Arizona.
HPS is an often deadly disease that usually begins with flu-like symptoms, and may rapidly progress to respiratory failure when the lungs fill with fluid. Patients usually develop breathing difficulty approximately two to six days after onset of symptoms
The abundant rainfall this winter may have increased the hantavirus risk in rural Arizona as wild mouse population appears to have increased said state epidemiologist David Engelthaler. Similar conditions were seen in the winter of 1993 when we had an outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the Four Corners Region of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. Fifty-three cases of HPS were identified during that outbreak.
The best defense against infection with hantavirus is to avoid cleaning or disturbing areas with recent rodent infestation including nests and droppings," said Engelthaler. If you do have to clean up droppings or nests, be sure to thoroughly disinfect the area first. Be especially cautious when entering a structure, such as a summer cabin, that has been closed up. People who have been exposed to rodent droppings and who become ill with HPS-like symptoms should seek medical care."
These are the first confirmed cases of HPS in Arizona this year. To date, 41 cases of HPS have been reported in Arizona since 1992 (including these new cases). Nine cases were fatal. Two cases were reported in Arizona last year.
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services
Second Strain of Bird Flu Found in US Dairy Cows: What It Means for Infection Prevention and Control
February 7th 2025A new H5N1 strain was found in Nevada dairy cows, challenging earlier transmission theories. This raises concerns about animal vulnerability, human health risks, and food safety. Experts emphasize the need for improved surveillance, biosecurity, and cross-sector collaboration to contain the virus spread.
Fungal Infections: The Silent Epidemic Threatening Global Health
February 6th 2025Fungal infections are a rising global threat, with antifungal resistance complicating treatment. Neil J. Clancy, MD, emphasizes the urgent need for research, better diagnostics, and stronger infection prevention strategies.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Most Harmful and Costly Hospital-Acquired Infection
February 5th 2025Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a deadly, overlooked infection impacting patient outcomes. With new diagnostic tools and prevention strategies, hospitals must prioritize oral hygiene to reduce risk.
Breaking Barriers: The Future of HIV Prevention and the Fight for Widespread PrEP Access
January 31st 2025Despite medical advances, HIV prevention faces roadblocks—low PrEP adoption, stigma, and accessibility issues threaten progress. Experts push for innovative, long-acting solutions to end the epidemic.
Clean Hospitals With Alexandra Peters, PhD: The Double-Edged Sword of High-Tech
January 30th 2025Despite revolutionary advancements like alcohol-based hand rubs, infection prevention still faces major hurdles. Poor adherence to hygiene, overreliance on technology, and understaffed environmental services create perfect storm conditions for deadly outbreaks.