PINE RIDGE, S.D. – The Indian Health Service issued a public service announcement Thursday notifying residents that Hantavirus has been detected on the Pine Ridge Reservation, located southeast of Rapid City.

Health officials emphasized that residents should not panic or isolate community members. The strains of the virus that cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in the United States are not known to transmit from person to person. The primary threat comes from exposure to infected rodents and contaminated materials.

People contract the illness primarily by breathing in airborne particles contaminated with rodent droppings, urine, saliva, or nesting materials. Exposure frequently occurs when cleaning enclosed spaces such as cabins, sheds, storage buildings, garages, or homes where mice have been present.

Initial symptoms mimic the flu and can include fever, tiredness, muscle aches, headache, cough, and trouble breathing. Health officials urge anyone experiencing these symptoms after being near mice or droppings to seek immediate medical care.

To prevent infection, public health authorities recommend sealing entry points in buildings, storing food in airtight containers, wearing masks and gloves while cleaning up rodent waste, and spraying droppings with disinfectant beforehand. Dry sweeping or vacuuming mouse droppings should strictly be avoided.

Residents seeking care or more information can contact Pine Ridge Hospital at (605) 867-3184 or the PHN Communicable Disease Line at (605) 867-3300.