PINE RIDGE, S.D. – Federal testing has found no confirmed hantavirus infections connected to a recent public health concern in the Pine Ridge community.
According to the Indian Health Service, samples collected during a recent health evaluation were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where testing found no evidence of hantavirus infection.
Health officials say hantavirus remains a concern in South Dakota because some mice naturally carry the virus. People can become infected through contact with contaminated rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials.
Officials emphasized that hantavirus is not known to spread from person to person in the United States, and there is no need for residents to avoid friends, family members, or neighbors because of hantavirus concerns.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, coughing, or difficulty breathing after possible rodent exposure is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider. Officials also recommend using disinfectant when cleaning rodent droppings and avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread contaminated particles into the air.
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