Associated Press

DENVER — A 64-year-old Gunnison County man has been diagnosed with the state's first confirmed case of hantavirus this year.

State health officials said Monday that an investigation was under way to determine how he became ill.

The man, whose name wasn't released, was hospitalized in Gunnison on May 28 and transferred to a Grand Junction hospital, where he is recovering.

Last year, there were no hantavirus cases in Colorado. Eight cases were confirmed in 2000, and three of the people died. One of four victims died in 1999.

Hantavirus kills 30 percent of the people infected, said John Pape, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Hantavirus is transmitted when people inhale mist or dust from contaminated deer mouse feces, urine or saliva. Victims usually experience flu-like symptoms and can require hospitalization and ventilation within 24 hours.

The disease was once thought to be most prevalent in the Four Corners area of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, but deadly cases have been reported throughout North America.

Pape said people should make sure there's plenty of ventilation when cleaning storage areas, barns, cabins or trailers in late spring and summer.

"If mouse droppings are visible or there are other signs that live mice are still occupying the building structure, then rodent control should be done," he said.

June 4, 2002

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