2nd death from hantavirus in Mammoth Lakes; another case under investigation
A death from hantavirus has been confirmed in the town of Mammoth Lakes, the county’s second within a month.
The announcement Wednesday, March 26, from Mono County Public Health said a third possible case is under investigation.
The agency said that one of the victims may have contracted the infection while “vacuuming rodent waste,” and the other was “likely exposed at home.” The first death was reported Feb. 27.
Hantavirus is uncommon in humans but dangerous, with a mortality rate around 30%. It is spread primarily through contact with the droppings of an infected deer mouse.
The disease was in the news this month as the cause of death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of actor Gene Hackman.
Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches, followed by coughing and shortness of breath. There is no antiviral drug known to be effective against hantavirus; treatment often involves intubation and oxygen therapy.
The Mono County announcement said the cases are the first confirmed in the county since 2019.