Hantavirus is a relatively rare but dangerous infection.
Hantavirus victims are often farmers exposed to accumulations of mouse droppings during their spring cleanup.
Since 1989, 20 cases of hantavirus have been reported in Alberta, including six deaths.
The virus has already claimed one life this spring.
“We recommend people take common sense precautions when cleaning up rodents or droppings,” said Dr. Karen Grimsrud, deputy provincial medical officer.
When cleaning droppings, disturb them as little as possible. Don’t use a vacuum or sweep them while they are dry.
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The best plan is to wet them down with household disinfectant and then gather them into sealed bags to be burned, buried or placed for removal in well-sealed garbage cans.
Protective gear, such as rubber gloves and dust masks,will also reduce the risk of infection.
All clothing worn in a space contaminated with mice or their droppings should be carefully disinfected and disposed of.
The only confirmed carrier of the hantavirus is the deer mouse, which is reddish brown, or, in some cases, grey.
It always has white fur on the neck, belly, feet and tail.
Treat all rodents as potential carriers because it’s not always easy to determine what type of mouse it is, particularly when the only evidence is droppings.
If a person is infected, the disease generally appears one to six weeks after exposure.
Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, body aches and chills, accompanied by difficulty breathing.
Anyone who develops severe flu-like symptoms, particularly if they have been in an area contaminated by rodents, should see a doctor immediately.
