Hantavirus is a life-threatening viral infection spread to humans by rodents. It has symptoms similar to influenza.
Hantavirus Causes
Hantavirus is carried by rodents, especially deer mice. The virus is found in their urine and feces, but it does not make the animal sick.
I can produce 25,000 disease carrying droppings a year!
Humans can get sick with this virus if they breathe in contaminated dust from mice nests or droppings. You may come in contact with such dust when cleaning homes, sheds, or other enclosed areas that have been empty for a long time.
Hantavirus does not seem to spread between humans.
Symptoms
The early symptoms of hantavirus disease are similar to the flu and include:
More...
The early symptoms of hantavirus disease are similar to the flu and include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Aching muscles
People with hantavirus may begin to feel better for a very short time. But within 1 to 2 days, it becomes hard to breathe. The disease gets worse quickly. Symptoms include:
- Dry cough
- Nausea including vomiting
- Being short of breath
- Severe headache
It is vital that you seek medical treatment at this stage.
Treatment
People with hantavirus are admitted to hospital, often to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Treatments may include:
- Oxygen
- In severe cases, the use of a breathing tube or ventilator
- Special machines to add oxygen to the blood outside the body
- Other supportive care for symptomatic treatment
Outlook
Hantavirus is a serious infection that gets worse quickly. Lung failure can occur and may lead to death. Even with aggressive treatment, more than half the people who have this disease in their lungs die as a result.
Possible Complications
Complications of hantavirus can include heart, lung and kidney failure.
These complications can lead to death.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms after you come in contact with rodent droppings or rodent urine, or dust that is contaminated with these substances.
Prevention
Avoid exposure to rodent urine and droppings.
- Drink disinfected water
- When camping, sleep on a ground cover and pad
- Keep your home clean. Clear out potential nesting sites and clean your kitchen
If you must work in an area where contact with rodent urine or feces is possible, follow these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- When opening an unused cabin, shed, or other building, open all the doors and windows, leave the building, and allow the space to air out for 30 minutes.
- Return to the building and spray the surfaces, carpet, and other areas with a disinfectant. Leave the building for another 30 minutes
- Spray rat and mouse nests and droppings with a 10% solution of chlorine bleach or similar disinfectant. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Using rubber gloves, place the materials in plastic bags. Seal the bags and throw them in the trash or an incinerator. Dispose of gloves and cleaning materials in the same way
- Wash all potentially contaminated hard surfaces with a bleach or disinfectant solution. Avoid vacuuming until the area has been thoroughly decontaminated. Then, vacuum the first few times with enough ventilation. Surgical masks may provide some protection
Call a Pest Control Company
If you have a heavy infestation of rodents, call a pest control company. They have special cleanup equipment and methods.