A potentially fatal virus has been confirmed in a Central Alberta resident. Residents are being asked to take precautions when dealing with mice droppings, nests, or bodies to avoid infection by Hantavirus.
Last week, Alberta Health Services issued a warning about the deadly virus after a Central Alberta resident developed Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.
“Because humans can be exposed to Hantavirus when the urine or feces of an infected rodent, such as a mouse, becomes airborne. Anyone who disturbs areas of mice or mice droppings can be at risk,” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Medical Officer of Health in a press release. “It’s essential people take precautions to protect themselves and reduce their risk of illness.”
Upon discovering mouse droppings, nests, or dead mice, residents are asked to take the following precautions.
Open doors and windows for ventilation and stay out of the area for at least 30 minutes.
Wear rubber gloves and soak the droppings, nests, and dead mice with a bleach/water solution of one part bleach to nine parts water or a household disinfectant. Let the solution sit for five minutes.
Never disturb the area prior to soaking with the bleach solution.
Mop up the bleach soaked droppings, nest, and dead mice, or pick up with paper towels. Then place them in a plastic bag and seal. Wash your gloves before removing and then your hands.
Do not vacuum or sweep droppings, nests, or dead mice. This can create dust, which may contain Hantavirus, and could be inhaled.
Anyone dealing with significant mouse infestations or infestations in poorly ventilated spaces should contact Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome can result when coming into contact with rodent wastes, saliva, or through being bitten. Though rare, it can be fatal.
Individuals infected with Hantavirus show symptoms one to two weeks after exposure, or in some case up to five weeks. Symptoms resemble a severe flu and include fever, body aches, chills, abdominal problems, and severe breathing problems.
“It is important anyone who has recently been in an area contaminated by mice and has developed severe flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing see a doctor immediately,” said Hinshaw.
