Hantavirus In Montana: What You Need To Know

• Hantavirus is carried by deer mice or the white-footed mouse in eastern Montana
• People become infected from breathing in the virus
• Montana is second only to New Mexico, by population, for hantavirus infections

Hantavirus Is A Real Threat In Montana

Recently, I was talking to my daughter and she told me how she swept up a bunch of mouse droppings in her basement. Without masks. Without gloves. I was horrified.

She had no idea what hantavirus was.

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Gene Hackman's wife recently died from hantavirus in New Mexico.

Then, I see a story from KULR 8 that included a warning from the Hill County Health Department to be aware of the threat of hantavirus this spring.

What Is Hantavirus?

From Montana DPHSS: "Hantaviruses are a family of viruses found worldwide spread primarily by the urine, droppings, and saliva of rodents."

How Is Hantavirus Transmitted?

According to Healthy Gallatin:

• When droppings and nests are stirred up, the virus goes into the air, with the possibility of breathing in the virus
• The virus is in the mice urine, droppings and saliva
• Touching a contaminated area then touching your face or mouth
• Eating contaminated food
• In very rare instances, from a mouse bite

What Are The Early Symptoms Of Hantavirus?

Healthy Gallatin reports these common symptoms for the virus. Keep in mind these happen in about half the people infected.

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle Ache
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Abdominal issues like nausea, diarrhea, pain and vomiting

What Are Late State Symptoms Of Hantavirus?

• Coughing
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest tightness
• Fluid filled lungs

What If You Are Exposed To Hantavirus?

There is no specific way to treat hantavirus. If you have the above symptoms, seek the counsel of your medical provider immediately.