1 case of hantavirus confirmed in Kane County


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ST. GEORGE (AP) — Health officials say they've confirmed a case of the potentially deadly hantavirus disease in Kane County.

Southwest Utah Public Health Department spokesman David Heaton says an adult was reported sick on Thursday and is receiving medical care.

Hantavirus is found in the droppings, urine and saliva of rodents, especially deer mice. It starts with flu-like symptoms and leads to difficulty breathing.

The last reported case of hantavirus in the department's five-county region was four years ago in Iron County. It's not spread from person to person.

Health officials say the infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with rodents or their droppings.

Authorities advise cleaning up rodent droppings by spraying them with disinfectant and wiping them up with disposable paper towels, rather than vacuuming or sweeping.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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