Officials issue warning about hantavirus
Monday, May 26, 2008 10:17 AM PDT
By Barbara LaBoe
Printable version
E-mail this articleAs you spring clean or air out the family cabin or camper, state health officials are warning of the dangers of hantavirus, a lung infection spread by mice that has killed 11 Washingtonians since 1993.
Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents, including deer mice in North America. There have been 34 reported cases of the rare but potentially fatal disease in Washington since 1993. Last year two residents got sick but survived.
People are commonly infected by breathing dust contaminated by rodent droppings, usually by cleaning nest areas or living or working in rodent-infested areas. It cannot be spread from one person to another.
Spring cleaning — especially cabins or campers that aren’t used year-round and might attract mice — increases the risk of infection unless done correctly, according to the state Department of Health.
No cases have been reported in Cowlitz County, but Lewis County has had three cases, according to state and county officials. And any area that has mice is susceptible.
“You can’t tell if mouse droppings contain a harmful virus, and we don’t have a way of testing them,” said Dr. Ron Wohrle, environmental health veterinarian at the Department of Health. “It’s best to assume all rodent droppings contain harmful germs and clean them up properly.”
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Some people also have headache, nausea and vomiting. The disease progresses to cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms usually appear one to six weeks after exposure. Anyone with these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.
Protecting against hantavirus:
Air out all rodent-infested areas at least 30 minutes before cleaning. Sunlight also helps kill hantavirus. Do not sweep, brush or vacuum up nests or droppings, because this can stir up dust and increase the chances of inhaling the virus. Thoroughly soak or spray rodent areas — including dead mice — with a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Let it soak for at least five minutes. After disinfecting the area, wear rubber gloves and clean up the droppings with disposable materials such as paper towels. Seal all materials in double plastic bags before disposing them in the garbage. Before removing gloves, wash or disinfect them. Also thoroughly wash hands after removing the gloves.
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