Hantavirus has been confirmed in the Central Zone of Alberta, prompting Alberta Health Services (AHS) to urge residents to take precautions.
Hantavirus is potentially deadly, but rare, and is spread often though the urine or feces of deer mice or other wild rodents. .jpg)
Alberta Health Services warns residents to take measures to protect themselves if they are potentially exposed to such an environment.
“Because humans can be exposed to Hantavirus when the urine or feces of an infected rodent – such as a mouse – become airborne, anyone who disturbs areas of mice or mice droppings can be at risk,” said Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, Medical Officer of Health, Central Zone. “It is essential that Albertans take precautions to protect themselves, and greatly reduce their risk of illness.”
According to a release, a person infected typically shows symptoms within one or two weeks of exposure. They have also shown up to five weeks after exposure. It describes symptoms resembling a severe flu, including severe fever, body aches, chills, abdominal problems and breathing problems.
“It is very important that anyone who has recently been in an area contaminated by mice and who has subsequently developed severe flu-like symptoms or difficulty breathing see a doctor immediately,” said Achebe.
AHS has provided precautions to take when cleaning mouse droppings, nests or dead mice:
• Open doors and windows for ventilation, and keep out of the area for at least 30 minutes prior to commencing clean up.
• Wearing rubber gloves, thoroughly soak droppings, nests and dead mice with a bleach/water solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a household disinfectant.
• Let the bleach water solution sit for five minutes.
• Never disturb any droppings, nests or dead mice, prior to soaking with this bleach solution.
• Mop up bleach-soaked droppings, nest and/or dead mice, or pick up with paper towels, and place them in a plastic bag.
• Seal the bag and put in a garbage container with a tight fitting lid.
• Wash your gloves before removing, and then wash your hands.
• Never vacuum or sweep droppings, nests or dead mice. This can create dust that can be inhaled. The dust may contain Hantavirus.
