Warmer weather and spring cleaning bring increased threat of hantavirus

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Published: April 9, 2015

Saskatchewan health officials are reminding people to take precautions against hantavirus when spring cleaning their garage, cabin or Quonset.

The virus is contracted by breathing in contaminated air particles from the droppings, urine and saliva of infected deer mice.

Fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting are symptoms.

“Symptoms then get worse and lead to a severe and often fatal lung disease known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome,” said deputy chief medical health officer Dr. Denise Werker.

Anyone who develops a fever, coughing and shortness of breath one to six weeks after potential exposure should seek immediate medical attention, she said.

Read Also

Agriculture ministers have agreed to work on improving AgriStability to help with trade challenges Canadian farmers are currently facing, particularly from China and the United States. Photo: Robin Booker

Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes

federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million

Thirty cases of the syndrome have been reported In the last 20 years. Ten were fatal.

Proper precautions include:

  • Ventilating buildings for at least 30 minutes before cleaning.
  • Using wet mopping and wearing rubber gloves, goggles and a filter mask in confined spaces.
  • Dampening areas contaminated with droppings with bleach disinfectant and removing them with a damp mop or cloth.
  • Steam cleaning, shampooing or spraying upholstered furniture with a detergent or disinfectant.
  • Washing clothes and bedding in hot water.
  • Dry cleaning methods such as dusting, vacuuming, sweeping or using an air hose should not be used.

karen.briere@producer.com

About the author

Karen Briere

Karen Briere

Karen Briere grew up in Canora, Sask. where her family had a grain and cattle operation. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Regina and has spent more than 30 years covering agriculture from the Western Producer’s Regina bureau.

explore

Stories from our other publications