KING

Sgt. Nelson Ng, 34, was an 11-year veteran of the Ellensburg Police Department.

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that an Ellensburg police sergeant died from hantavirus.

Thirty-four-year-old Nelson Ng died August 15. Local health officials are still investigating how Ng may have contracted the virus.

Ng's death was the second hantavirus infection in Washington in August and the first death this year. State health officials say a Bellingham resident whose name has not been released was also treated for hantavirus.

The virus spreads through contact with mouse saliva, urine or droppings.

On average, one to five cases of the virus have been reported in Washington annually. Of 35 confirmed state cases since 1993, 11 people have died.