1. What’s Happening in Nevada

As highlighted by local media, two cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) were confirmed in Nevada on June 10, 2025, by the Nevada Department of Health and Wildlife. This is the first verified occurrence of the virus in the state since 2023. HPS is a rare, yet serious respiratory disease caused by exposure to deer mouse droppings, urine, or saliva, especially in enclosed areas like sheds, barns, and cabins.

2. How Hantavirus Is Transmitted

In the U.S., hantavirus is not spread person-to-person. Infection occurs when people breathe in contaminated air from dried rodent waste or, in rare cases, through bites or direct contact with saliva or urine. The most common agent is the Sin Nombre virus, hosted by deer mice, which are widespread in Nevada.

3. Can Dogs or Pets Get Hantavirus?

Good news: dogs, cats, and most pets don’t get sick from hantavirus, nor can they transmit it to humans. Though pets may accidentally bring infected rodents into your home, they are not a threat themselves, they don’t carry, display symptoms, or spread the disease.
Bottom line: Fido can stay safe and healthy, as long as you control rodents around your home.

4. Who’s at Risk, and What Are the Symptoms?

Anyone cleaning or entering rodent-infested spaces, like garages, storage sheds, cabins, is at risk, especially if dust is stirred up. Initial HPS symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, progressing (1–8 weeks later) to cough and shortness of breath seen in more severe cases. Nearly 40% of symptomatic patients may not survive severe lung involvement.

5. Prevention: How to Keep Your Family and Pets Safe

Nevada health officials emphasize:

• Ventilate any enclosed space for 30 minutes before cleaning
• Disinfect thoroughly, using bleach solutions instead of sweeping or vacuuming
• Wear protection—N95 mask and gloves—when clearing rodent material
• Seal rodent entry points, eliminate food attractants (like pet food), and use approved traps

These steps protect both you and your pets by reducing rodent presence and potential virus exposure.

6. Why Pets Can’t Spread Hantavirus

According to the CDC, Ohio, and Washington State health departments, although antibodies have been found in dogs and cats, these pets don’t develop the illness or carry it to humans.

Though dogs could bring infected wild mice inside, the risk lies in handling rodent waste—not affectionate sniff sessions.

7. What to Do If You Think You’re Exposed

Anyone exposed to rodent-infested areas who later experiences symptoms, like fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or breathing trouble, should seek immediate medical attention and inform providers of possible rodent contact. Early treatment improves outcomes significantly.

Final Takeaways

• Hantavirus is serious, but rare. Two cases in June 2025 triggered advisories—but Nevada averages only a few cases per year.
• Pets are not at risk; they’re safe companions.
• Your best defense is eliminating rodent access, cleaning up carefully, and using protective gear.
• Stay informed via Nevada DHHS, NDOW, and CDC updates.

Your pets rely on you to keep their environment clean and rodent-free. And while the risk of hantavirus is statistically low, a few simple steps, sealing your home, disposing of rodent waste safely, and using protective gear, can prevent illness entirely.