West Hills residents: WHNC’s July 15 hantavirus meeting—what to watch

West Hills residents have a chance to get clear, prevention-focused CDC basics about hantavirus at the West Hills Neighborhood Council’s Joint Board and Public Health & Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The agenda schedules a “Presentation and Discussion on Hantavirus.” This is an educational discussion—not a report that anyone in West Hills has been sick.

Meeting details: how to join

WHNC says the meeting will be conducted virtually and telephonically and is open to the public. On the agenda, WHNC notes that comments on items not on the agenda are handled during the Public Comment period, while comments on agenda items are heard when those items are considered.

Call-in: dial (669) 900-6833, then enter the webinar code 8274 365 2136 and press #.

What’s actually on the WHNC agenda

In addition to standard meeting business (like approving minutes), the Public Health & Safety Committee meeting includes one scheduled health-focused item: “Presentation and Discussion on Hantavirus.” Residents who want practical, home-based prevention context—especially parents and caregivers—may find it useful to come with questions.

CDC basics: how hantavirus exposure happens

The CDC says people can get hantavirus through contact with rodents—especially when exposed to a rodent’s urine, droppings, and saliva. The CDC also notes that hantaviruses cause two major syndromes, and that the hantavirus most commonly associated with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in the United States is spread by the deer mouse.

What West Hills families may want to ask

If you’re attending (or submitting questions during public comment), consider asking questions that connect CDC prevention to everyday situations—like yard/home cleanup after rodent activity:

• Where can exposure happen around homes? For example, in garages, sheds, storage areas, or when disturbing areas that may be contaminated.
• What are the most important cleanup/prevention steps? The CDC emphasizes reducing contact with rodents and their contamination.
• How can households reduce rodent entry? The CDC highlights sealing holes and gaps and using traps.
• If symptoms show up, what should clinicians know? The CDC advises that if someone suspects hantavirus disease, they should seek medical care promptly and mention potential rodent exposure.

Bottom line

This WHNC meeting is a local civic forum with a specific agenda item on hantavirus. It’s a good chance for West Hills residents to connect a community conversation to CDC guidance—without assuming any local cases.

Sources

• WHNC Joint Board & Public Health & Safety Committee meeting agenda (July 15, 2026)
• CDC: About Hantavirus