May 16, 2025. Reno, Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is reporting a case of Hantavirus in Washoe County: a female in their 90s who was hospitalized.

The suspected exposure was from inhalation or direct contact with rodent droppings, urine, or nesting material that was disturbed due to household carpentry work in the weeks prior to symptom development. The investigation is ongoing.

This is the first case of Hantavirus since August of 2023.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) 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 respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.

Early symptoms can include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and vomiting. Learn more about symptoms from the CDC.

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

Prevention

• Do not sweep or vacuum the area with 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 5 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 and 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.

Hantavirus is only spread by rodents and not from person-to-person. Contact your medical provider for questions.

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

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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.