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Hantavirus Alert
Hantavirus has killed 12 Canadians in the seven years since it was identified. All cases to date have occurred in the four western provinces, most of them in Alberta. While still rare in Canada, the virus, carried by deer mice, has now been confirmed in most parts of Canada. While it has not yet been found in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or the Northwest Territories, there has not been sufficient sampling in those areas to rule it out.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a lung disease contracted by inhaling airborne particles from the droppings of infected rodents. Flu-like symptoms (especially fever and muscle aches) appear 10 to 30 days after exposure, followed by shortness of breath and coughing. Once this phase begins, the disease progresses rapidly, requiring hospitalization and often ventilation within 24 hours. HPS kills its victims through massive pulmonary failure.
Simple precautions can be taken to protect against this serious disease. First and foremost, in areas where mice are present, take steps to rodent-proof your home or cottage.
If you are cleaning a room where mouse droppings can be seen, or where mice may have nested, take extra precautions:
- Air the area out before cleaning.
- Mop the floors with disinfectant before sweeping or vacuuming.
- Wear rubber gloves, and clothing and footwear that can be disinfected.
- Protect your mouth and nose with a filter mask, and use protective eyewear when cleaning rodent-infested areas
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Safety Canada July 2000
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