Hantavirus

What is it?

How do people get Hantavirus?

People may be infected- by contact with mouse droppings when cleaning out garages, sheds and cabins where mice lived over the winter.
Sweeping or vacuuming droppings, releases the virus into the air and it is breathed in.
It is not spread from person to person.

Do other animals carry Hantavirus?

The only known carrier is the deer mouse (reddish-brown or grey with white fur on the belly and feet.)
Other rodents may carry the virus so all rodents should be treated as carriers.
Hantavirus has not caused illness in pets or spread from pets to people.

What signs and symptoms can you have?

Early symptoms are flu-like: fever, body aches, chills and headache.
They occur 1-2 weeks after being infected.
Breathing problems leading to hospitalization occur 2-15 days after early symptoms.

Who is at risk for Hantavirus?

Only a small percent of the people who come in ontact with the virus get ill.
Most cases have occurred in people with close contact to mice or mice droppings.
Most cases occur in rural areas.

How do you prevent Hantavirus?

Keep mice / rodents away by:

Storing food and pet food in metal or plastic containers.
Sealing holes(anything over 6mm or ¼ in) with steel wool or cement to prevent entry.
Hauling away trash, old vehicles, old tires where mice / rodents can nest
Storing garbage in containers with tight fitting lids.
When entering a building where mice / rodents may live wear a mask so as not to breathe in the dust in the building.
If using traps or poisons to control mice beware of the danger to children and pets.
Wild mice should not be kept as pets.

When cleaning mice/rodent infested areas:

Air out the area for 30 minutes first.
Wear rubber or plastic gloves.
Also wear a mask so dust is not inhaled.
When cleaning heavily contaminated areas a HEPA mask may be purchased at safety supply stores.
Soak dead rodents, nests, droppings and contaminated items in a 1 to 10 bleach / water solution.
Pick up debris and place in double plastic bags.
Do not sweep or vacuum.
When clean-up is done seal bags, and place with regular garbage for routine pickup. After bags have been removed mop floors with soap, water and then a bleach / water solution.
Dirt floors can be sprayed with a 5 to 10 bleach / water solution.
For heavily infested areas contact a pest control service or a public health inspector for detailed information.

After clean up:

Wash hands well.