Community Health Talk Highlights Hantavirus Awareness and Prevention

Local public health experts came together April 17 to educate Eastern Sierra residents about Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) during a free virtual Community Health Talk hosted by Northern Inyo Healthcare District. More than 200 people attended the event on Zoom and YouTube.com.

Representatives from the California Department of Public Health, Mono County Public Health and Environmental Health, Inyo County Public Health and Environmental Health, and Mammoth Hospital joined NIHD to provide vital information on early symptom recognition, prevention strategies, and best practices for safe cleaning in areas where deer mice may be present.

The panel addressed community questions and emphasized proactive steps to reduce the risk of infection. Residents were encouraged to air out enclosed spaces before cleaning, use disinfectant solutions, and seal small openings in homes and sheds to prevent rodent entry.

A recording of the presentation is now available for those who were unable to attend. NIHD and its regional health partners remain committed to keeping the community informed, prepared, and protected.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (in development):

• Direct link to NIHD YouTube video: https://youtu.be/sWT3ZLKuL2U?si=Po-3OrBq0-HsYuqa
• Q&A Summary coming soon! (downloadable pdf)
• Slide presentation from Dr. Anne Kjemtrup (downloadable pdf)
• Slide presentation from Dr. David Araya (downloadable pdf, English  Spanish)
• California Department of Public Health Hantavirus webpage (external link)
• Centers for Disease Control: You Can Prevent Hantavirus (downloadable pdf with specifics on cleaning a contaminated car on page 15)