Be aware of the risks of contracting hantavirus says AHS
LETHBRIDGE – It’s that time of year again, when many people are doing their spring cleaning in garages, out-buildings, barns, campers, or other enclosed spaces.
Alberta Health Services is asking everyone to take some simple steps to protect themselves from hantavirus, a potentially fatal illness that mainly affects the lungs/respiratory system. It’s caused when people inhale particles of urine or feces from an infected rodent.
Dr. Karin Goodison with AHS, says anyone who disturbs areas where mice live or where there are droppings is at risk.
“Our zone (south) has had three cases in the last three years of hantavirus. And across the province we’ve seen 12 cases in the last three years, with one case already this year. So it does happen and people do die from this, so it’s something we need to be aware of.”
Goodison says the virus is inhaled into the lungs and causes an infection. The infections are generally severe and in some cases, fatal.
“If you develop flu-like symptoms like fever, muscle aches-that kind of thing, followed by difficulty breathing, chest-tightness or a cough, you should see your physician,” she explains. “Identify that you have been working in an area where you may have been exposed to rodent droppings. What will happen is that they’ll do an appropriate investigation for hantavirus.”
To protect yourself and reduce your risk of illness, here are some precautions to take:
- Open doors and windows for ventilation, and keep out of the area for at least 30 minutes prior to starting cleanup
- Wearing rubber gloves, soak droppings, nests or dead mice with a (1:9) solution of bleach and water and let it sit for 5 minutes
- Never disturb droppings, nests or dead mice before soaking with solution
- Mop up bleach-soaked droppings, nests and/or dead mice, or pick up with paper towels. Place into a plastic bag and seal it
- Never vacuum or sweep droppings, nests or dead mice
