Watch CBS News

Weld County Man Dies After Contracting Hantavirus

GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — Health officials say a south Weld County man has died after contracting hantavirus.

The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment announced Thursday the man, whose name has not been released, died after he apparently contracted the disease while repairing his home. Investigators say he was working in an enclosed space in the presence of rodent droppings.

The health department did not say when the man died.

People are infected by breathing in the virus during direct contact with rodents or by disturbing dust and feces from mice nests or surfaces contaminated with mice droppings.

Symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, high fever, dizziness, headaches, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can lead to death.

Hantavirus is rare, with an average of four cases a year in Colorado.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.