Deer mouse. (submitted photo/Ministry of Health)

By Alice McFarlane

Hantavirus

Warmer weather brings higher risk of hantavirus

Apr 3, 2019 | 12:11 PM

The risk of contracting hantavirus infection is currently low in Saskatchewan. However, deer mice are present throughout the province and the risk will increase as the weather improves and people spend more time outdoors.

The Ministry of Health is reminding residents to take precautions against infection. People are most often exposed when cleaning up enclosed buildings like grain bins, sheds, barns, garages, trailers, cottages and homes. Hantavirus may be present in farm equipment and vehicles that have been idle during the winter.

Saskatchewan Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Denise Werker said even the smallest amount can cause an infection.

“You can get hantavirus by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from the droppings, urine and saliva of infected deer mice,” Werker said. “Hantavirus can cause a rare, but potentially fatal lung illness known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.”

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Symptoms usually start within one to six weeks of exposure and include fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Some people develop severe symptoms that can be life threatening.

The ministry said you can avoid exposure to hantavirus by being aware of mouse droppings and nesting materials. Start by ventilating the building by opening doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. When cleaning contaminated areas you should wear rubber or plastic gloves, goggles and a well-fitting N-95 type filter mask.

It’s also recommended droppings be dampened with bleach disinfectant and removed with a damp mop or cloth. Steam clean, shampoo or spray upholstered furniture with a detergent, disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water and wash clothes and bedding with detergent in hot water.

Avoid dry cleaning such as dusting, sweeping, vacuuming or air-hosing.

You can reduce rodent infestations by blocking openings that might allow rodents to enter a building. Store human and animal food, water and garbage in containers with tightly-fitted lids and move woodpiles or other potential hiding places for mice away from your home.

There have been 32 reported cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Saskatchewan since 1994. Ten of those cases were fatal.

For more information on hantavirus, visit the provincial site or HealthLine Online.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF