Chelsea State Bank ad

Confirmed Case of Hantavirus found in Washtenaw County

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Susan Ringler-Cerniglia for the information in this story.)

A confirmed case of Sin Nombre hantavirus infection was recently detected in Washtenaw County.

Hantavirus infection is very rare but severe disease is transmitted through infected rodents. It is most commonly caused by exposure to urine or droppings but also from rodent bites. Exposure is most likely through inhaling contaminated particles while cleaning or working in an infested area such as a house, barn or shed. The hantaviruses that cause human illness in the United States cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

Given the normal range of the species of rodents that carry Sin Nombre hantavirus, there is a small chance that Washtenaw County residents may encounter a rodent that carries this virus. You can prevent exposure to hantavirus and other diseases by taking steps to keep mice and rats out of your home and properly cleaning rodent urine, dropping and nesting materials (including using disinfectant) if you see rodents or evidence of rodents around your home.

Things such as seeing a rodent while out for a walk or a hike pose no risk to you. Similarly, if your pet finds or kills a rodent, neither dogs nor cats can transmit hantavirus to humans. If that happens, be sure to dispose of the rodent using gloves or a plastic bag and clean any affected area.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

More News

April 2: Reading Glasses Book Club at Chelsea Alehouse

March 26, 2024

March 30: Easter Story Experience

March 26, 2024

Recent Obituary: William ‘Bill’ Doyle Chandler

March 26, 2024

Chelsea Robotics Wins FIRST Impact Award at Recent State Qualifier

March 25, 2024

In Photos by Randall Lee: Chelsea Chamber Ribbon Cutting for M/I Homes

March 25, 2024

Chelsea Human Rights Commission Annual Plan

March 25, 2024

Chelsea City Notice: Public Hearing for 511 Congdon Rezoning Request

March 25, 2024

April 4: Ballet Storytime at Chelsea District Library

March 25, 2024

Mary Lee Penney Named 2024 Woman of Chelsea State Bank Award Winner

March 24, 2024

Chelsea’s Jordan Braman Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi

March 24, 2024

April 18: Father Enzo Addari Retirement Celebration

March 24, 2024

March 31: Easter Events at Zion Lutheran Church

March 24, 2024

No City of Chelsea Meetings This Week

March 24, 2024

Chelsea Kiwanis Club Hears From the Chelsea Area Fire Authority

March 23, 2024

Great Showing for Chelsea Girls Track and Field at SEC Indoor Invitational

March 23, 2024

Chelsea Boys Track and Field Achieves Goals at SEC Indoor Invitational Meet

March 23, 2024

This Week’s Washtenaw County Road Commission Planned Road Projects

March 23, 2024

Washtenaw County Health Department Releases Annual Report

March 23, 2024

WCC Summer, Fall Registration Open

March 23, 2024

Chelsea School District March Students of the Month

March 22, 2024

Carley Grabarczyk Signs Letter of Intent to Purdue Northwest

March 22, 2024