How to Protect Yourself from Hantavirus

Hantavirus infection is a serious, life-threatening illness caused by inhaling the virus. The virus is carried in the airborne particles of rodent urine, droppings or saliva.

The primary carrier of Hantavirus is the deer mouse. It is 10 to 22 cm. in length from head to tail, ranges in color from pale gray to reddish brown, and has white fur on its belly, feet and underside of the tail. However, all rodents including squirrels, rats, chipmunks and other kinds of mice should be treated as if they might carry the virus.

Symptoms

If you have Hantavirus infection, you may initially feel like you have the flu. If you fall in one of the risk categories and develop difficulty breathing in addition to having flu-like symptoms such as fever (101 to 104 °F), body aches and/or chills, contact your doctor or your local medical facility as soon as possible, especially if the breathing trouble came on fairly quickly (within a few hours) and is getting worse.

Know the symptoms of Hantavirus infection. Make sure that you inform your doctor of your possible exposure to rodents, particularly if you develop a breathing illness and fever within 45 days of your last exposure to rodents.

Ways to Protect Yourself From Hantavirus

The best protection against the virus is to prevent all rodents from entering your home and to carefully clean and disinfect where rodents have been.  Make your home and outbuildings less attractive to rodents by closing off access to food, water and shelter.

1. Keep Clean So As Not To Attract Rodents
Wash dishes and clean up any spilled food immediately after eating. Store all food, water and garbage in metal or thick plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Do not leave pet food or water out overnight.

2. Prevent Entry of Rodents:
Small rodents, such as deer mice, can enter buildings through a hole the size of a shirt button.  We suggest you contact a pest control specialist (exterminator) to :
 
1) Have your home inspected to identify rodent access points and recommend a way to block them;
 
2) Eliminate any rodents that have found a way into your home;
 
3) Reduce the presence of rodents in the area around your home;
 
4) Clean out the areas in which the rodents live.

Special Note:

Do not keep rodents that have been caught in the wild as pets.
Dogs or cats are not known to spread Hantavirus from a rodent to a person.