Colorado Resident Dies of Hantavirus

An adult in Colorado has died after a ​confirmed case of hantavirus that is not linked ‌to a recent MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak, Colorado Department of Public Health ​and Environment and the Douglas County Health Department officials reported.

Hantavirus infections caused by the Sin Nombre hantavirus occur regularly in Colorado, usually in the spring and summer, and can cause a severe and sometimes deadly respiratory disease. In Colorado, the deer mouse is the rodent species that most commonly exposes people to the virus. Avoiding exposure to rodents and their urine, feces, saliva, and nesting materials is the best way to prevent infection.

Colorado health officials are still working to identify the source in this case. Preliminary evidence suggests the infection was acquired by local exposure to rodents. The risk to the public remains low.

Meanwhile, at least two passengers were formally ordered to stay in quarantine in Nebraska after they pushed to leave, CNN reported. The others were told that if they did not voluntarily stay, they would also be ordered to remain.

On Sunday, the 18 passengers staying at the National Quarantine Center were told by Dr. David Fitter, who is leading the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s response to the hantavirus outbreak, and Dr. Denis Fitzgerald from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, that they will have to remain at the facility until at least May 31. The Americans at the National Quarantine Center were told that the strategy had shifted because three passengers—from Spain, France and Canada—had tested positive for hantavirus after they’d gotten off the ship on May 10.