Yikes!! I did a TDY (temporary duty) at Fort Bliss in the mid 90's, but I didn't contract anything.
Fort Bliss Texas...I spent a week there one day.
Yikes. Barracks or MOUT buildings I wonder?
For Freepers in the Southwest:
Precautions for Inside the Home
Keep food and water covered and stored in rodent-proof containers.
Keep pet food covered and stored in rodent-proof containers.
Allow pets only enough food for each meal, then store or discard any remaining food. Do not leave excess pet food or water out overnight.
If storing trash and food waste inside the home, do so in rodent-proof containers, and frequently clean the interiors and exteriors of the containers with soap and water.
Wash dishes, pans, and cooking utensils immediately after use.
Remove leftover food and clean up all spilled food from cooking and eating areas.
Do not store empty aluminum cans or other opened containers with food residues inside the home.
Dispose of trash and garbage on a frequent and regular basis, and pick up or eliminate clutter.
Keep items (e.g., boxes, clothes, and blankets) off of the floor to prevent rodents from nesting in them.
Repair water leaks and prevent condensation from forming on cold water pipes by insulating them. Deny rodents access to moisture (e.g., mop closets, boiler rooms, catch basins under potted plants, and areas around aquarium tanks).
Correct any conditions that support the growth of mold, mildew, or other fungi in the home.
Keep exterior doors and windows closed unless protected by tight-fitting screens.
Use spring-loaded traps in the home. Use a small amount (the size of a pea) of chunky peanut butter as bait. Place the trap perpendicular to the baseboard or wall surface, with the end of the trap containing the bait closest to the baseboard or wall. Place traps in areas where rodents might be entering the home. Spring-loaded traps can be painful or even dangerous if they close on fingers; they should be handled with caution, and careful consideration should be given to keep children and pets away from areas where traps are placed.
From the CDC website at:
-http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5109a1.htm
Anyone who now lives in the Southeast USA can contract this virus. The Phoenix area has had no rain for 130+ days.
This dry climate forces rodents that carry the virus, and hence, spread it through their droppings indoors where they go to seek water.
His case is only one of many.
Most Doctors and Hospital ER's really don't think of this virus at first. I'm told that there is a hospital in Albuquerque, NM that has experts for the treatment.
Its going to sound very Cliff Claven, but trust me on this one. A person in Hawaii died from this a few years ago because he drank from a softdrink can that had been stored in a warehouse and rat droppings ended on the rim of the can.
Never, ever drink from soda cans without washing them off first.
Way back when I was president of a Fraternity in Milwaukee, we develped a mouse infestation in our beautiful old mansion. The solution was simple, I offered a bounty of $1 per tail. I think the winner brought in over twenty. Beer money and more ramen noodles.
Hantavirus is really serious disease. It is a BL-4 virus like Ebola.
Biased Doctors? Don’t rush to pull out the race card.
Dead cat found with bird flu in Germany
FReepmail me if you want on or off my health and science ping list.
Good job, Associated Press