A person in west-central Saskatchewan has died after contracting hantavirus, the province said Oct. 21.
Deputy chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said the infection is rare but potentially fatal and people should be careful to avoid contact with deer mice and their droppings.
“This is the time of the year when mice are moving indoors,” he said. “Farmers, grain handlers, cottagers and home owners, who are most likely to be exposed, should take precautions when cleaning rodent-infested buildings to prevent direct contact and breathing in of air particles that may be contaminated.”
Hantavirus begins with fever, muscle aches, cough, headaches, nausea and vomiting. It can progress to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and serious lung complications.
People who develop fever or respiratory illness within one to six weeks of potential exposure should seek medical attention.
In Saskatchewan, 21 cases of hantavirus have been reported since 1994.
Detailed information can be found at www.health.gov.sk.ca/hantavirus.
