Saskatchewan health officials today confirmed a fatal case of hantavirus.
The death occurred in an adult in southern Saskatchewan. Officials did not provide more details.
Hantavirus is rare but the severe pulmonary syndrome form can cause death. There have been 27 cases reported in the last 20 years; nine of those were fatal.
People can contract the virus by breathing in contaminated airborne particles from the droppings, urine and saliva of infected deer mice.
The province’s deputy chief medical health officer, Denise Werker, said anyone who develops a fever, muscle aches, coughing and shortness of breath within one to six weeks of exposure to mouse-infested areas should seek immediate medical attention.
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Deer mice are found in all areas of the province.
People who are camping, opening their cottages after the winter, cleaning RVs or boats, moving woodpiles or cleaning outbuildings should take precautions.
Buildings should be ventilated for at least 30 minutes before cleaning. People should wear gloves and use wet mopping to clean rather than dusting, sweeping or vacuuming. Mouse droppings should be dampened with bleach disinfectant and removed with a damp cloth.
More information about hantavirus can be found online at www.health.gov.sk.ca/hantavirus.
