Hantavirus Found Near Simi Valley

Rodents carrying the hantavirus, a distant cousin of the ebola virus, have been found near Simi Valley, scientists from the Ventura County Environmental Health Division reported Tuesday.

That was the first report of the virus, which is carried by rodents, in Ventura County. Scientists found two of a group of 22 deer mice they sampled in the foothills area south of Simi Valley to be carrying the disease.

An outbreak of the hantavirus in 1993 occurred on a Native American reservation in the Four Corners region of the Southwest. Since then, the virus has been detected in every Western state except Washington. Thirteen people in California have come down with the virus; of those, eight have died.

The disease is believed to be spread through airborne particles of dried rodent urine and droppings. The first signs of the illness are similar to the flu. As the disease progresses, victims bleed internally and many die from respiratory failure.

There are no human cases in Ventura County, but Environmental Health Division officials are asking county residents to take precautions in areas where deer mice are often found, such as in old cabins, sheds and outbuildings.

They suggest eliminating any infestations and disinfecting any areas that have been infested by the rodents. When working in such areas, individuals should wear protective clothing and avoid breathing in dust.

The department is continuing its investigation of the area. For more information, call the Ventura County Environmental Health Division at 654-2432, or pick up information at either Simi Valley City Hall or the Thousand Oaks City Hall.