Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a virus found in rodents, especially deer mice. It is spread to people when they breathe in the virus or dust particles contaminated by infected rodent droppings, urine, or saliva or by a bite by an infected rodent. This can cause a lung condition known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a rare but very serious illness. Most people who breathe in the Hantavirus do not become sick.

Fever, body aches, chills and severe difficulty in breathing.

• Do not go into buildings, such as cottages and barns that have been empty or have possibly housed rodents, until properly airing and cleaning.
• Be careful when cleaning areas where mice may have made a nest.  Use a damp mop instead of a broom to clean the area animal feces (stool), to prevent the virus from getting into the air.
• Use a mask to cover your mouth and nose if you must sweep.
• Make your home and cottage as rodent-proof as possible.
• Be aware of the symptoms of respiratory (breathing) disease – coughing, wheezing, fever and body aches – if you have been near mice infested areas.  Consult your doctor if these symptoms happen. 

The key is getting medical help quickly.