Beware of Rodent Droppings

Does your spring cleaning involve areas where rodents have nested over winter? A disease called Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome has been identified as a health risk to the general population. The danger has been specifically associated with the deermouse, but other rodents may also be carriers.

Although the risk of infection is slight, the Hantavirus can kill. Half of the people infected by it have died. At least one death has been attributed to the disease in Ontario. The victim contracted the virus after cleaning out a cottage that had been infested by mice.

Rodent nesting materials, burrows, droppings, and the surrounding environment present the greatest risk of infections. Direct contact with rodents will increase the risk of infection. The disease is often transmitted when rodent droppings are disturbed and the resulting dust is inhaled.

Symptoms

The average time between contact with the virus and the onset of illness is two to three weeks. Unfortunately, the initial symptoms are non-specific. They include fever, muscle ache, cough, headache, nausea, and vomiting, very much like the flu.

If you develop a fever or respiratory illness that is rapidly worsening and includes shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention. Tell the doctor you have been in contact with rodents and suspect possible Hanta Virus infection.

Prevention

To minimize risk of Hantavirus infection, rodent population must be controlled.

• General cleanliness is very important.
• Get rid of trash, abandoned machinery, discarded tires, and other items that could serve as rodent nesting sites.
• Use commercial traps, rodenticides, or ultra-sonic devices.
• Seal all openings of more than a quarter-inch diameter. Use metal flashings at the base of wooden or earthen structures. Gravel under structures helps prevent burrowing.
• Keep food and garbage in rodent-proof containers. Dispose of trash promptly.
• Cut grass, brush and dense shrubbery within 30 metres (100 feet) of buildings.

Rodent-infested areas must be cleaned up before entry and use. It is critical to protect your respiratory system and skin when handling dead rodents, droppings, nesting materials and other areas of contact. Treat all rodent-contaminated materials as infected.

If you have any reason to suspect that you have been infected by Hantavirus, seek immediate medical attention. Survival chances are enhanced by early treatment.

A Quick Guide to Dealing with Hanta Virus is available from the Farm Safety Association in Guelph, Ontario (telephone (519) 823-5600; e-mail info@fsai.on.ca). For more information about this dangerous disease, contact your local public health office.

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