In Canada , the deer mouse is the primary reservoir for Hantavirus. The infected mice don't show any signs of being sick. In fact, the virus does not seem to make them ill at all; it simply lives in their bodies. However, the virus is shed continuously from them, into the droppings and urine they leave around the room, and into their saliva, which dries on anything they have chewed, such as nesting material. Out in the environment like this, the virus can live for several days.
Deer Mouse Distribution - North America
When fresh rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials are stirred up, tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air. Inhalation of these droplets is the main way people get hantavirus.
There are several other ways rodents may spread hantavirus to people:
There are several other ways rodents may spread hantavirus to people:
If a rodent with the virus bites someone, the virus may be spread to that person - but this type of transmission is rare.
Researchers believe that people may be able to get the virus if they touch something that has been contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and then touch their nose or mouth.
Researchers also suspect people can become sick if they eat food contaminated by urine, droppings, or saliva from an infected rodent.
As of May 2005 about 57 cases have been reported in Canada , with at least 19 deaths.
Risks
Researchers believe that people may be able to get the virus if they touch something that has been contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, and then touch their nose or mouth.
Researchers also suspect people can become sick if they eat food contaminated by urine, droppings, or saliva from an infected rodent.
As of May 2005 about 57 cases have been reported in Canada , with at least 19 deaths.
Risks
Anyone who comes into contact with rodents that carry hantavirus is at risk of HPS. Even healthy individuals are at risk for HPS infection if exposed to the virus.
The chance of being exposed to hantavirus is greatest when people work, play, or live in closed spaces where rodents are actively living. In addition, many people who have contracted HPS reported that they had not seen rodents or their droppings before becoming ill. Therefore, if you live in an area where the deer mouse is known to live, take sensible precautions - even if you do not see rodents or their droppings.
Prevention and Cleanup
The chance of being exposed to hantavirus is greatest when people work, play, or live in closed spaces where rodents are actively living. In addition, many people who have contracted HPS reported that they had not seen rodents or their droppings before becoming ill. Therefore, if you live in an area where the deer mouse is known to live, take sensible precautions - even if you do not see rodents or their droppings.
Prevention and Cleanup
Prevent rodents from entering the home by checking inside the house for gaps or holes any larger than a pencil could fit into. Seal the holes. If you do not remember to seal up entry holes in your home, mice will continue to enter.
Prevent rodents from entering the home outside. Clear brush and grass from around the foundation of the home. Check the house for holes that might encourage rodent infestations. Seal possible entry holes.
Choose an appropriate snap trap. A small amount of peanut butter could be placed on the bait pan of the snap trap. Position the bait end of the trap next to the wall so it forms a "T" with the wall. Glue traps and live traps are not recommended. These traps can scare mice that are caught live and cause them to urinate. This may increase your risk of being exposed to hantavirus.
Clean up urine and droppings
Take precautions before and while cleaning rodent-infested areas. Before cleaning a space, ventilate the area by opening the doors and windows for at least 30 minutes to diffuse potentially infectious aerosolized material. Use cross-ventilation and leave the area during the airing-out period.
When you begin cleaning, it is important that you do not stir up dust by sweeping or vacuuming up droppings, urine, or nesting materials. Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and dispose of all materials in an approved manner.
Clean up heavy rodent infestation
Special precautions apply to vacant dwellings that have attracted large numbers of rodents and to dwellings and other structures that have been occupied by persons with confirmed hantavirus infection. The Pest Control Specialists at JAPCO Pest Control Ltd. are trained in the safe neutralization and disposal of Hantavirus materials.
