ALBANY - The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has received laboratory confirmation of a hantavirus case in New York State. The individual confirmed to have contracted the virus, a Suffolk County man, has since recovered. The last reported case of hantavirus in the State occurred in Suffolk County in 2011.

Hantavirus is an infection of the lungs caused by several different strains of the virus found in rodents.

On Friday, October 12, as part of DOH's investigation, samples were sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for testing. DOH received CDC's confirmation of the virus on October 17.

The individual reports that on August 26, 2012 he was bitten by a rodent while camping in a lean-to shelter in the Adirondacks. According to the man, he did not experience symptoms until late September; he was hospitalized for nearly a week before recovering.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will check and remove any food or other rodent attractants from within, under and around lean-tos in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness in the Adirondacks. Trapping and testing mice in the Adirondacks are not recommended. DOH and CDC recommend always being vigilant to prevent rodent contact and assume mice can be carrying hantavirus anywhere in the state. In particular, most hantavirus cases have been related to inhaling dust while cleaning up rodent droppings in cabins or garages that have been closed for a period of time. DOH recommends wetting down dusty areas with a combination of water and household bleach before cleaning up areas with possible rodent infestation.

DEC will continue to advise users of lean-tos and other campers to avoid attracting nuisance wildlife (including mice and bears) by following proper food storage, handling and cleanup practices when camping. As a precaution, DOH will inspect the man's Suffolk County home to identify if any risk of exposure to hantavirus exists at the residence.

To minimize the risk of Hantavirus infection, the following precautions are recommended:

• Avoid touching live or dead rodents. Do not disturb rodents, burrows or nests.
• Before occupying abandoned or unused cabins, open them up to air them out. Inspect for rodents and do not use cabins if signs of rodent infestation such as droppings or nests exist.
• If sleeping outdoors, check potential campsite grounds for rodent droppings and burrows.
• Disinfect droppings and nesting materials by spraying with a disinfectant and wear kitchen gloves. Dispose of sprayed materials in a plastic bag.
• Avoid sleeping near woodpiles or garbage areas, which are commonly frequented by rodents.
• Avoid sleeping on bare ground; use a tent with a floor, mat or elevated cots if they are available.
• Do not leave pet food in feeding dishes.
• Store foods in rodent-proof containers and promptly discard, bury or burn all garbage in accordance with campsite regulations.

For more information on hantavirus, please visit: www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/.