(WBKO/WKYT) – The CDC is escalating its response to the hantavirus outbreak, issuing a level three emergency response as health officials track cases nationwide.
Bethany Kinney, the communicable disease team lead nurse for the Barren River District Health Department, said the risk of hantavirus is low in Kentucky.
“The risk of hantavirus is low here in Kentucky, and right now there are no identified close contacts from the current outbreak here in Kentucky,” Kinney said.
Hantavirus has been on the nationally notifiable disease list since 1995 and while it is being monitored in Kentucky, it is considered rare.
The strain of the virus which has made international headlines is spread person to person. Most cases of hantavirus are linked to rodent exposure.
“There are a few different types of mice that can cause hantavirus, and some of those are even found in Kentucky, like the white-footed mouse and the deer mouse. Those are commonly found here, but the risk of hantavirus is still considered low here locally,” Kinney said.
Cleaning recommendations
As people begin cleaning out barns, cabins and other spaces, Kinney recommends practicing safe cleaning habits when entering a space where rodents have lived.
Kinney said, if you are going into an area where rodents may have been living, you should let it air out for about 30 minutes. When you do go in to clean, you should use wet or damp products such as a mop, a sponge or a wet paper towel. You should not dry sweep the area because that can create airborne particles which you are then breathing in.
“You want to wear appropriate protective equipment. And then, of course, use good hand washing after you’re done,” Kinney said.
Kinney said, the risk remains low and both local providers and hospitals do an excellent job at screening patients for symptoms, travel history and more which lead them to diagnose several illnesses including hantavirus.
Kinney said, even though the risk here in Kentucky remains low and there are no identified close contacts from the current outbreak, public health officials are ready to move quickly with new guidance if that changes.