There are no reports of hantavirus cases in the Mansfield area, but “awareness and prevention are important,” according to Julie Chaya, health commissioner of Richland Public Health.
“While hantavirus infections are rare, people should be aware that the virus can be spread through contact with infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva, particularly when cleaning enclosed spaces where rodents may be present,” Chaya said.
The health commissioner encourages residents to follow these precautions:
Hantavirus has a 42-day incubation period
At least 18 Americans who were aboard a cruise ship at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak are being monitored at health facilities in the United States, USA TODAY reported.
Those passengers are quarantined at facilities in Nebraska and Georgia, where they will remain until the 42-incubation period for hantavirus has passed.
An incubation period refers to the time between a person being exposed to a pathogen, such as a virus, and when they begin exhibiting symptoms.
“Over the next several days, passengers will undergo an initial health assessment and receive guidance on next steps from the CDC experts,” said John Knox, a top official at the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
The risk to the rest of the country remains low, according to Adm. Brian Christine, an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Officials in 12 states are monitoring hantavirus exposures or possible infections as of May 13.
The map below shows where potentially impacted people are quarantining or being monitored. Among the passengers who returned to the U.S. on May 11 for closer monitoring in Georgia and Nebraska, only some of their places of residence have been announced.
Which states are tracking possible hantavirus exposures?
The following states are currently monitoring hantavirus, according to USA TODAY:
Contact Zach Tuggle at 419-564-3508. Follow him on X at @zachtuggle.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Richland County residents should plan ahead for hantavirus prevention
Reporting by Zach Tuggle, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
