In a small and intimate conference room in the stateCapitol on Wednesday, Patty Havelka shared with reporters and others her story of loss and pain.

A month ago, Havelka's husband, Ryan, 29, died of a rather obscure disease, hantavirus.

"Never in a million years did I think my husband would die young," she said, stopping to compose herself.

"And never from a disease like hantavirus."

Ryan Havelka, a conservationist from Hettinger, died Aug. 5 in a Bismarck hospital from the virus, which was first identified in 1993 after an outbreak in the Four Corners area of the United States.

Wednesday's press conference was unusual in the respect that state Health Department officials were with Patty Havelka to help tell her story.

In most situations, the department would not release specific information on such deaths because of confidentiality issues.

Loreeta Canton from the department's public information office said Patty Havelka requested the department's assistance in getting her story out in hopes of educating others to the dangers of the rodent-borne disease.

"It gives a human face to such a disease," Canton said.

Hantavirus is spread to humans through contact with urine, feces or saliva of rodents, mainly the deer mouse in North Dakota.

This was the 10th case of hantavirus reported in North Dakota and the sixth death, said state epidemiologist Kirby Kruger.

In most cases,Kruger said people become infected with the virus through contact with mouse droppings, urine or when it becomes "aerosolized," or airborne in areas where mice have been disturbed.

Kruger said in majority of cases, the specific means of contracting the disease is never determined.

He said that was the case with Ryan Havelka.

Kruger said there were things in both his personal and professional life that could have led to him becoming infected.

Along with being a conservationist, he maintained a garden and was an outdoorsman.

Patty Havelka said her husband began showing symptoms on July 30, complaining of fever and chills and muscle aches.

She said he continued to go to work before going to a clinic, then was admitted to a hospital Aug. 3.

She said he was transferred to St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck that day. His condition rapidly deteriorated over the next 18 hours; he was ultimately placed on a respirator before dying.

Kruger said there is no specific treatment, or cure, for hantavirus, and it's difficult to diagnose because the flu-like symptoms mimic so many other ailments.

Symptoms may develop between one to five weeks after exposure and include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, especially in large muscle groups like the hips, back or thighs, headache, dizziness and chills.

Other symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The disease progresses into severe respiratory problems for up to 10 days after the initial phase of the illness and can lead to shortness of breath and coughing as the lungs fill with fluid.

Kruger said the best thing people can do to protect themselves is to mouse-proof their homes and outbuildings.

Seal all entry holes ¼-inch or wider on both sides if possible, keep human and pet foods in tightly sealed containers, store garbage in tight-fitting containers and dispose of frequently, and clean up cluttered areas where mice might nest.

He said spring-loaded traps along walls or baseboards near possible entry holes are preferred, with peanut butter as bait.

Services for Ryan Havelka were held Aug. 8; he is survived by his wife and three daughters, 4½, 2½ and 1.

Patty Havelka described her husband as a devoted husband and father and someone who was always willing to help others.

She said sharing their story with others is what he would have wanted.

"It would break his heart to see this happen to anyone else."

(Reach reporter Brian Gehring at 250-8254 or brian.gehring@;bismarcktribune.com.)