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Hantavirus
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare, but serious life-threatening disease. It was first recognized as a public health concern when a virus strain caused hemorrhagic fever in soldiers who served in the Hantaan area of Korea in the 1950's. The spotlight became focused intensely on Hantavirus in 1993, the first time it had been diagnosed in the United States. A number of deaths occurred in the four corners area of the southwest. The symptoms of the disease are much like those of the flu- fever, headache, shortness of breath, severe muscle aches, coughing, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms may last from a few hours to several days. Shortly thereafter, victims develop rapid respiratory failure. 38% of reported Hantavirus victims in the U.S. have died. Over 300 cases have been diagnosed since May of 1993 including 35 in California.
The disease is contracted mainly through inhaling tiny airborne droplets of fresh or dried droppings, urine, or saliva left by infected rodents. Sweeping or disturbing a floor covered with rodent excrement will cause microscopic sized particles to become airborne. Also, direct contact with excrement and then subsequent touching, scratching or rubbing your nose, mouth or eyes may contribute to an infection.
The Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatis), the Cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), the Rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) and the White-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) are Hantavirus carriers. The Deer mouse and the Cotton rat are typically found in rural areas but will move into urban areas if food or water sources become scarce. Other rodent species may be carriers but have not been implicated at this time. There is no evidence indicating that the virus is transmitted from person to person or from insects, pets or livestock.
The best way to reduce your risk of contracting Hantavirus is to avoid contact with rodents and rodent excrement. Rodent control in and around your home is the best way to keep rodents away. Keep all food, water and garbage in containers with tight fitting lids. Don't leave pet food and water out overnight. Wash dishes and clean up spilled food. Dispose of trash and clutter. Prevent rodents from entering your home by plugging holes and cracks with steel wool. Mice can fit thru holes the size of a dime. Placing gravel under homes discourages burrowing. Place spring-loaded traps continuously. Use bait pellets as a supplement to traps. Always follow label directions when using any rodenticide.
To safely cleanup and dispose of rodent droppings, always wear rubber gloves. Thoroughly spray dead rodents, traps, droppings, etc. with any general purpose household disinfectant to deactivate any virus. After wetting everything, place the disinfectant soaked waste in a sealable plastic bag and dispose of by burning, burying or by placing in the garbage. If you are unsure of the best disposal method for your area, contact your local health department for their advice.
It is possible to encounter active Hantavirus anyplace that rodents are infesting or have infested. Therefore it is strongly encouraged that your response after discovering an infestation follows the above protocol. If you don't believe you can clean up the mess from an infestation or implement a rodent control program, hire a professional to do it for you. There is no vaccine to prevent you from acquiring HPS nor is there any medical cure. Early detection of the viral infection and hospitalization will give you the best chances of surviving an infection.
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