The Utah Health Department announced the first recorded case of hantavirus in the state since 2004 in a Duchesne man who died earlier this month.

The man, who was apparently healthy and between 19 and 29, was admitted to an area hospital Sept. 2 suffering the common symptoms – fever, fatigue, muscle aches and gastrointestinal problems and died the same day.

Health officials believe the man was exposed to the virus while cleaning up rodent droppings, though they are waiting for test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hantavirus is found in urine and excrement of rodents, particularly deer mice. People usually become infected by inhaling dust that contains dried, contaminated droppings. It’s also possible, although less likely, to contract it through open wounds. It is highly unlikely the virus is spread from human to human, TriCounty Health Department spokeswoman Jeramie Tubbs said. Symptoms of the infection include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems. As the disease progresses, symptoms can also include cough and shortness of breath.

There have been 13 confirmed cases, two of them fatal since 2000.

In order to avoid infection with hantavirus, the Utah Department of Health urges people to remove nesting materials – brush, grass and garbage – from around their houses and keep tight-fitting lids on garbage cans. Also, people should remove rodent droppings with liquid, such as spraying disinfectant and using a mop or towel moistened with disinfectant to clean (droppings should not be vacuumed or swept). Moreover, people should wear gloves, a dust mask, long-sleeved clothing and protective eyewear while cleaning or in areas where there are rodent droppings.