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A resident of the Navajo Nation who lived in the east central part of Coconino County has died of complications of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The rare but potentially fatal disease, which has no vaccine or cure, is spread by infected rodent droppings.

It is the fourth confirmed case of hantavirus reported in Coconino County since 2006. Two of those cases resulted in death.

It is not known at this time where the recently deceased individual contracted hantavirus.

Studies show that wild mice throughout Arizona have been infected with hantavirus. It is transmitted to humans when they breathe air contaminated with the virus. If fresh rodent droppings, urine or nesting materials from infected animals are stirred up, tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air. Exposure to mouse droppings in enclosed areas such as cabins, sheds and outbuildings poses the greatest potential risk for contracting hantavirus.

The disease is not transmitted from human to human.

The illness starts with flu-like symptoms including fever, headache and muscle aches, and progresses rapidly to a severe respiratory disease that has proven fatal in many cases.